Incentivizing the adoption of precision agricultural technologies in small‐scaled farming systems: A choice experiment approach

Abstract

Precision farming technologies are expected to reduce nutrient surplus in agriculture. Uptake of these technologies in European farming systems, however, is low and policy incentives are needed to promote environmental benefits. We conducted a choice experiment with 418 Swiss farmers to elicit their preferences for site-specific nitrogen fertilization technologies. Using a split-sample approach, we elicit both willingness-to-accept and willingness-to-pay welfare measures. Results show that welfare measures for the nitrogen reduction potential vary significantly between the two samples. This indicates that the policy design affects farmers' preferences and willingness to adopt precision farming technologies that reduce nitrogen losses from agricultural production.

Using Data from Uniform Rate Applications for Site-Specific Nitrogen Recommendations

“…So even though variable rates used more nitrogen than uniform rates, the variable rate may be less than what producers now typically apply. Therefore, the precision agriculture technology proposed here could contribute to the goal of lower applied levels of nitrogen considered by Späti et al (2022). Bullock et al (p. 1028) say that "unless more information can be produced about yield response, the profitability of SST will remain limited."…”