The largest agri-tech organisation in the UK conducted 122 in-depth interviews across the country to better understand what innovation and technology means to farmers.
Technology adoption is the most significant change to farming practices in the last five years, according to 73% of the survey participants.
Farmers are clear that they want “practical solutions that make their businesses more efficient and manageable”, the survey says.
The biggest priorities are improving productivity, saving time and reducing workload. Cost-effectiveness is also key, with farmers looking for tools that provide tangible benefits without unnecessary financial risk.
Environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions, are recognised but tend to come secondary to more immediate operational concerns.
‘Strong’ enthusiasm for tech, but adoption ‘never a given’
Some 42% farmers surveyed are ‘moderate’ in their attitudes to innovation, meaning they are open to adopting new technologies but prefer to see clear benefits before implementation. 30% are ‘progressive’, actively seeking out and adopting new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity.
While farmer attitudes towards technology are “refreshingly open-minded”. the report notes a practical approach is required to encourage adoption.
“Rather than rapid overhauls,” it states, “the farmers we spoke to want a gradual path to technology adoption, preferring innovations like automated feeding systems and simple farm management apps that seamlessly integrate into their existing operations and reduce workload.”
There is “strong enthusiasm” for technology, particularly in areas such as automation and robotics, new crop varieties, and data collection and analysis.
Cost remains a critical factor, with farmers seeking affordable, scalable solutions that deliver tangible benefits without disrupting established practices. Other key barriers are data security concerns, lack of training and logistical challenges like poor Wi-Fi connectivity.
Farmers emphasised that innovation must be practical, problem-solving and seamlessly integrate into their existing workflows. However, many feel disconnected from the R&D process, with technology often being designed without their direct input.
Collaboration a recurring theme
Many of these challenges could be addressed through better collaboration between farmers, industry and technology developers, the research reveals. Bringing farmers into the innovation process from concept to commercialisation ensures solutions align with their needs.
The report recommends farmer-led research and effective knowledge sharing to make technology work for farmers.
“Farmers don’t just want tech that works in a lab,” it says, “they want field-tested solutions that solve real problems. If it doesn’t reduce workload, improve efficiency, or increase resilience, it won’t be used.”
Cost, training, connectivity and data security must be part of the conversation ‘from day one’, it adds. Farmers are willing to experiment – but they need the right support to make it work.
“Farmers trust other farmers,” it writes. “Peer-to-peer learning is more effective than top-down advice. Seeing technology in action on real farms, through demonstrations and trials, builds confidence and drives adoption. We can encourage adoption is through farmer-led research and knowledge exchange from trusted advisors.”
Solutions need to reduce complexity
The research highlights the need for solutions that reduce complexity, not add to it, and for technology that works in the field, not just in a lab. It suggests the approach should value farmers as partners in innovation, not just as buyers.
“By shifting the focus from technology for its own sake to innovation that truly serves farming, we can create lasting impact where it matters most.”
Helen Brookes, engagement director at UK Agri-Tech Centre, adds: “This report reinforces what we hear time and again – the importance of placing farmers at the heart of agricultural research and development. By listening closely and involving farmers in identifying problems and co-developing solutions, we can ensure that new technologies are grounded in reality and have meaningful, on-farm application.”
This latest UK Agri-Tech Centre ties with other recent surveys from the agricultural sector which show that while there is interest in agtech, many farmers remain cautious or face barriers to adoption. Common concerns include the high upfront costs, unclear return on investment, lack of knowledge or training, and the need for more government support and clarity on long-term policy.
For example, a Barclays report from April 2025 highlights that nearly half of farmers surveyed cited an unclear return on investment as a key barrier, and many felt the government could do more to support them with guidance and long-term policy clarity.
The National Farmers’ Union’s 2023 survey found that only about a fifth of farmers had invested or planned to invest in agri-tech, with cost, knowledge, and support being significant barriers.
£45 million of funding announced
The report comes as the UK has announced a £45 million investment in cutting-edge agricultural technologies to increase farm profits, boost food production and help protect nature.
Three special funds unveiled by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) will support multiple R&D projects designed to support both early-stage innovation and on-farm trials.
Innovations cited by Defra include robots carrying out fruit picking, health monitors for cows and sheep, and variable irrigation systems to maximise water usage on crops.
The funds aim to help bring cutting-edge technologies into real-world use with a particular focus on reducing on-farm emissions and capitalising on new opportunities made possible by the Precision Breeding Act, which could supercharge food production by increase crop yields, reduce pesticides and enhance disease resistance.
Farming minister Daniel Zeichner emphasised that the new funding is intended to help farmers adopt technology to boost production, profits, and the rural economy.
But it comes amid farmer protests at changes to inheritance tax and the Sustainable Farming Incentive – two measures that many farmers claim restrict their ability to invest in the machinery, technology and innovation to boost food security.
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