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European agriculture is at a turning point. Faced with growing challenges linked to the shortage of labor, costs on costs and the urgency of improving productivity, the AGTECH stands out as a strategic lever. However, a fracture persists: if large farms quickly adopt new technologies, small and medium -sized farms, which represent the essentials of the European agricultural landscape, still struggle to benefit from it.
A polarized market: when innovation only benefits major players
AGTECH in Europe is experiencing rapid boom, with record investments in automation, robotics and agricultural data management. But this dynamic mainly promotes large operations, which have the resources necessary to test and adopt these solutions.
Startups in the sector, often constrained by demanding financing cycles, naturally turn to large farms which offer faster outlets and simpler market validation. Result: the small and medium -sized operations, however crucial for European food sovereignty, remain on the fringes of this technological revolution.
This polarization is particularly visible in specialized crops with high added valuelike viticulture, fruits and vegetables or arboriculture, which require significant workforce and meticulous follow-up. In France, Spain or Italy, these intermediate -size farms are faced with the same challenges as large structures, but without benefiting from the same technological solutions.
The challenge of cost and accessibility
One of the main brakes on the adoption of the AGTECH for small farms lies in the initial cost of equipment. Agricultural robots, advanced sensors or data management platforms represent a significant investment, which is difficult to sustain without a rapid return on investment.
However, solutions exist:
- Flexible economic models As rental, subscription or payment for use can make these technologies accessible to a wider farmers’ basis.
- European grant programs Like those of the CAP (common agricultural policy) could play a key role by facilitating the investment of farmers in these technologies.
In parallel, lack of training and support constitutes a major brake. Farmers often hesitate to invest in technologies that they do not master and which require a skill rise. Local initiatives, such as demonstrations in the field, partnerships with cooperatives or specific training, could accelerate the adoption of these tools.
An innovation redesigned: scalability at the service of all
For the Agtech to benefit the entire sector, it must be scalable and adapt to different operating sizes. One of the most promising concepts in the matter is SIVIM technology (“Swarm Technology”)which makes it possible to deploy autonomous units according to the real needs of each operation:
- A small winegrower could use a single autonomous unit for monitoring its plots, soil analysis or targeted weeding.
- A large cereal farm could deploy several units simultaneously, thus optimizing its yields.
This type of modular technology would allow small operations to access innovation at a suitable price, without having to support the massive investment that requires the purchase of solutions designed for large structures.
Reinvent the AGTECH for a more inclusive market
If the Agtech really wants to transform European agriculture, it cannot be limited to major players. It is imperative to:
- Reorient investments towards more flexible solutions and adapted to intermediate size farms.
- Create bridges between Agtech startups and small farmersvia cooperatives, purchasing groups or simplified leasing devices.
- Encourage a more diverse approach to innovationby taking an interest in specific issues of specialized cultures, too often left aside in favor of major cereal crops.
European agriculture is based on a diversity of models, and technologies must adapt to it. Do not include small and medium operations in the technological transition is to curb the potential of the AGTECH and weaken the resilience of the entire sector.
