On November 21, 2024, at the Agri Data Green Summit in Milan, xFarm Technologies and dss+ presented a survey focused on the readiness of Italian farmers to adopt sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. The survey, conducted with a sample of 1,000 farmers, identifies key elements for developing effective regenerative agriculture programs.
The global population continues to rise, leading to increased food demand, while primary production operators face challenges such as climate change, limited raw material availability, and fluctuating market demands. The survey indicates that 90% of participants are interested in implementing more sustainable management practices.
Among the major risks identified, climate change is considered the primary concern by 30% of respondents, closely followed by rising costs. While transitioning to sustainable practices appears crucial for the agricultural sector's future, 25% of participants cite a lack of skills as a barrier, and 10% report difficulties in engaging contractors.
The survey also highlights that only 34% of farmers are aware of the minimum organic matter levels required to prevent soil degradation, and 60% are unfamiliar with regenerative agriculture concepts. Additionally, 30% of respondents mention a lack of capital as a significant challenge for initiating change.
To promote the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in Italy, the survey suggests that contractual benefits, access to market opportunities, and training resources are vital. There is a noted correlation between farmers' willingness to adopt practices and their perceived economic profitability, though environmentally beneficial practices are not always seen as financially advantageous.
The insights gained from the survey will be instrumental in guiding the collaboration between xFarm Technologies and dss+, particularly in engaging model farms to share and test improvement protocols actively. The results aim to strengthen relationships with operators, ensuring that solutions are grounded in practical outcomes rather than theoretical discussions.