Farmers’ needs, ideas and interests on the adoption of fossil energy free technologies and strategies in the EU

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates farmers’ needs, ideas and interests on the adoption of Fossil Energy Free Technologies and Strategies (FEFTS). 470 direct farmer surveys and 41 expert interviews were conducted in 8 EU countries to identify the barriers and drivers to the adoption of FEFTS, results were analysed using SPSS. The findings suggest that the adoption of FEFTS is driven primarily by economic factors, with cost reduction emerging as a dominant motivation for adopting renewable energy sources (RES) and energy-saving technologies/practices. Environmental concerns also play a significant role. Farmers indicate that financial support and access to tailored cost benefit models for their farms are important drivers to becoming FEFTS adopters. Based on these results we argue that enhanced financial support as planned in the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027 together with national advisory services that support innovation and knowledge transfer are necessary to drive the adoption of FEFTS in the agriculture sector.