Digital adoption taking place on farms - with caution

The Baseline of Digital Adoption in Primary Industries report highlights internet connectivity, data sharing, plus barriers and drivers influencing adoption.

"We managed to bust a few myths through our discussions with farmers and growers, including the idea that age is a defining reason for reluctance to adopt technology," says AgriTechNZ chief executive Brendan O'Connell.

"Rather than the age of the operation's owner, it's the stage in the business lifecycle that was more of an influence on adoption decisions.

"Additionally, although 77% of farmers and growers are happy to share their data when it provides direct benefit to them, the results show only half are actually doing so. There are opportunities for everyone to further investigate data clarity, confidence and defining data value.

"We strongly believe tech innovation is the enabler of progress in sustainable production and this report paints a picture of the realities on the ground across New Zealand," says O'Connell.

Globally, there has been huge forward momentum in the past 3-5 years with the availability and adoption of digital solutions.

O'Connell says their goal is to continue building an environment for New Zealand technology businesses to flourish and take advantage of favourable markets wherever they may be in the world.

"The future evolution of food production is critical, not just locally but on the global stage.

"Through a dynamic and advanced Agritech ecosystem, New Zealand farmers and growers can also take advantage of any new innovations on offer and be at the forefront of industry developments," says O'Connell.

The report is published with support from the Ministry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ, Foundation for Arable Research, Fertiliser Association and Zespri International Ltd.

It investigates five Primary Industry sectors - dairy, horticulture, arable, sheep and beef.

Download the report from the AgriTechNZ website - www.agritechnz.org.nz