Adoption of drone, sensor, and robotic technologies in organic farming systems of Visegrad countries

Abstract

The integration of Precision Agriculture (PA) technologies into organic farming offers substantial potential for enhancing efficiency and sustainability, yet adoption rates vary significantly across countries. This study presents a model for assessing PA adoption in organic farming within the Visegrad Group countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia using a survey-based approach. Key technologies examined include drones, sensors, and robots used in organic crop and livestock production. Findings indicate that the Czech Republic leads in drone usage for soil monitoring (70 %), Hungary excels in soil moisture sensors (55 %), Slovakia prioritizes drones for fertilizer application (75 %), and Poland shows significant use of robots for harvesting and seed planting (33 %). This model effectively highlights cross-country differences in PA technology adoption and associated environmental outcomes, addressing a gap in understanding PA use in organic farming in Visegrad group countries. The results of the study provide actionable insights for improving the adoption of Precision Agriculture technologies in organic farming across the selected countries. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders promoting sustainable agricultural innovation. Limitations include reliance on survey data, which may impact broader applicability, and a geographic focus on the Visegrad region, suggesting the need for future studies in other areas.

Keywords

• V4 countries
• Organic production
• Precision agriculture
• Industry 4.0
• Technology