Precision Farming: Barriers of Variable Rate Technology Adoption in Italy

Research dealing with the adoption of various precision agriculture technologies has shown that guidance and recording tools are more widespread than reactive ones (such as variable rate technology), much lower utilization rates in European case studies. This study aims to analyze propensity innovate among young Italian farmers. A cluster analysis was carried out revealing four groups. The first two groups represent non-adopters who think technological innovation is very complex from a technical point view, well not accessible capital-intensive technology. third fourth adopters. reports an early level adoption, still considering cost access major barrier technology implementation. fourth, on other hand, shows intensive considers lack institutional support limitation. most characterized by youngest age group, farms largest size, prevalence female entrepreneurs. need for management training day-to-day business operations upon detected all paper identified relevant drivers barriers characterizing adopting farm technologies. Results may offer insights policy maker better calibrate interventions.