Farmers suffer from price pressure and poor soils
Increasing price pressure and poor soils - farmers, not only in Germany, currently see these as the biggest challenges. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by technology supplier Continental in the run-up to the Agritechnica agricultural machinery trade fair in Hanover, which begins on Sunday. 72 percent of those surveyed in five countries stated that price pressure was a daily issue for them. "While they achieve ever lower prices for their products on the global markets, expenditure on energy, fertilizer and personnel continues to rise," said the authors of the study. Farmers in Germany, France, Brazil, Japan and the USA were surveyed.
The second biggest problem cited by 69 percent was poor soil quality, followed by machinery (68 percent) and weather extremes (63 percent). A shortage of skilled workers, which is currently a problem for many sectors in Germany in particular, was an issue for 53% of respondents. For the study, the market research institute Innofact surveyed 100 farmers in each of the five countries in September and October on behalf of Continental.
The majority felt that they were poorly prepared for a change towards efficient and sustainable agriculture. Only 45 percent of respondents said that their farm was sufficiently equipped for the upcoming transformation in terms of current technological equipment. In Germany, 49 percent said the same. At the same time, 87% agreed that their machinery and equipment should contribute to sustainability. In Germany, the figure was as high as 91%.
"The study proves it: Farmers are ready to actively shape the transformation," concluded Philip Nelles, head of Continental's ContiTech division. "However, they currently still lack the necessary resources to act more digitally and sustainably." Costs in particular were cited as a problem: 64% of respondents wanted affordable prices for new machines and devices. In Germany, the figure was as high as 71%.
Despite the challenges posed by price pressure and poor soils, farmers are eager to participate in agricultural fairs to explore new technologies and solutions. At the upcoming Agritechnica fair in Hanover, farmers hope to find affordable and sustainable solutions to enhance their operations.
Source: www.dpa.com
