8 / 33
08
On the downside, the Global Precision Farming Market
2021-2028 report acknowledged that as of 2021 there
is still a low adoption rate of precision ag technologies
by farmers in North America and the world, and could,
if not corrected, hamper the financial expectations of
seeing a +$20-billion industry.
Funding and how to spend available finances
were seen as pitfalls to further tech adoption. Yes,
purchasing precision ag technology is expensive in the
short term, but long-term of even a few years can see
an ROI.
But, the report noted that ancillary tools are lacking,
such as the lack of independent consulting and
advisory services, which it said was due to an absence
of validated agronomic models for Variable Rate
Technology to allow for best decision on these capital
investments.
The report correctly opined that independent
services not linked to co-ops, farm associations or
the government would allow farmers to gain more
information before purchase of the technology, types of
technology and what would best suit their own farming
circumstance.
The Global Precision Farming Market 2021-2028
report also suggested that both Europe and Asia
would see the biggest leap in demand for precision ag
technology.
It cited the digital revolution in the agricultural sector
and government financial incentives to European farms
as a key driver, while Asia might see the fastest growth
owing to the availability of the largest agricultural land
providing growth opportunities in countries such as
China, India, Australia, and Japan.
But what about Canada?
A different 2021 report from the Delphi Group in
collaboration with Bioenterprise Corporation said that
while adoption rates vary by province, Canada itself
has been slow to latch onto precision agriculture
technologies relative to European nations and the U.S.
The report examined the tech segment on behalf of
the B.C. provincial Ministry of Agriculture – Precision
Agriculture Technologies for Nutrient Management in
British Columbia.
It said that four chief barriers continue
to stop a wider adoption of precision ag
technology in Canada:
•
Not enough education or understanding of the
tech and its various applications;
•
High costs to purchase;
•
General farmer risk aversion;
•
Data access and data ownership concerns.
All valid points and concerns, but Canadian agriculture
will need to adapt quicky to keep up with consumer
demands and regulatory requirements to name just a
few.
As stated, precision agriculture technologies help
a farmer to apply water, pesticides and herbicides
when and where needed in an exacting manner that
boils down to fewer wasted resources and less fuel
used which means fewer GHG emissions and less
environmental impact.
With the need pending, all the barriers noted can be
removed or at least lowered.
Having more education can also reduce risk aversion,
though some farmers will always prefer to do things as
they have always been done.
While the global market for precision agricultural
technology seems poised to leap forward over the next
few years, it is wholly-dependant on the Canadian agri-
retail tech market to ensure its farmers do not get left
behind.
|
pag