A multi-stakeholder perspective on the use of digital technologies in European organic and agroecological farming systems

In recent years, digital technologies have become increasingly important in the agri-food system. While such technologies have been understood to facilitate precision farming practices, digitalisation also may play a key role in the transition to more sustainable food systems. Given the current knowledge gap in understanding the perceptions of digitalisation by the diverse stakeholders of organic and agroecological production, this research holds particular significance. The aim of this paper is to analyse the perception of farmers, farm advisors and producer organisations, associations and/or cooperatives on the use of digital technologies in organic and agroecological production system in different European countries. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to select participants. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests were used to discern differences within the collected surveys regarding benefits of using digital technologies, the reason why farmers do not use them, as well as the main barriers, risks and drivers of their use. The results show differences in perceptions according to the type of stakeholder. Surveyed stakeholders agree that digitalisation facilitates communication, exchange of knowledge and experiences between actors. The main barriers to the use of digital technologies are related to economic aspects, complexity and unsuitability of equipment. The creation of networks or collaborations between the actors involved to share equipment, costs, exchange knowledge, as well as governmental financial support were considered the main drivers of digital technologies for organic and agroecological systems. The results of this study contribute to theorising on the diffusion of innovations and may be helpful for policy makers and farm advisors as it provides relevant and important information to define and incorporate solid approaches to digital transformation in an agroecology innovation ecosystem.