SEA: Practical Application of Science (May 2020)
ADOPTION OF PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGIES: USA AND EU SITUATION
Abstract
Through this article, the author aims to identify the adoption rates and types of precision farming technologies embraced by farmers in the USA and the EU. Research papers in relation to the adoption of precision agriculture technologies were collected and divided into two groups, according to their geographic region: USA and EU. Books, scientific articles, reports and conference papers were reviewed and studied. Likewise, the material about the adoption of precision agriculture technologies was accumulated. The level of adoption in the USA differs from one state to another. The percentage rate of adoption is higher in the Southern States, and the overall adoption of precision agriculture technologies reaches to about 91%. United Kingdom, Denmark and Germany have higher rates of adoption compared with other countries in the EU. Similarly, the percentage rate of adoption is higher in the USA in comparison with EU countries. In the USA prevails a diversification of precision agriculture technologies adopted by US farmers. On the contrary, in the EU, the majority of research papers reported mainly some level of adoption of yield monitors/mapping and variable rate technologies for applying inputs.