Directorate-general for Internal Policies Policy Department B: Structural and Cohesion Policies Agriculture and Rural Development Precision Agriculture: an Opportunity for Eu Farmers - Potential Support with the Cap 2014-2020

Precision Agriculture (PA) is a whole-farm management approach using information technology, satellite positioning (GNSS) data, remote sensing and proximal data gathering. These technologies have the goal of optimising returns on inputs whilst potentially reducing environmental impacts. The state-of-the-art of PA on arable land, permanent crops and within dairy farming are reviewed, mainly in the European context, together with some economic aspects of the adoption of PA. Options to address PA adoption are discussed, including measures within the CAP 2014-2020 legislation and the important contribution of advisory services across Europe. IP/B/AGRI/IC/2013_153 June 2014