A Continental study of over 500 farmers from Germany, France, the USA, Brazil, and Japan highlights the growing need for sustainable farming practices in agriculture.
Continental Survey Shows Farmer Commitment to Sustainability
In 2023, technology and tyre giant Continental, along with market research institute Innofact AG, commissioned the study. The results show farmers ranked environmentally friendly agriculture as the number one factor determining the medium-term success of their business, with sustainability being placed ahead of safety and digitalisation.
“The recent effect of climate change on agricultural productivity has led farmers to cite sustainable agricultural techniques as vital to the success of their farm systems. Almost two-thirds of respondents (around 63%) experienced climate change and its negative effect on farm profitability,” says Continental’s Tom Godwin.
69% of Farmers Prioritise Soil Quality, 79% Value Sustainability
The Continental study discovered more than two-thirds of farmers (69%) consider soil quality critical for sustainable agriculture and farm success. A more significant 79% said it’s essential to work for a farm that is committed to the environment and actively addresses sustainability.
“It shouldn’t come as any surprise that farmers want to see sustainable methods championed. The key is making sustainable options more attractive and affordable. 78% of respondents said they are using sustainable alternatives to conventional pesticides, and 82% believe in the importance of using energy-efficient technologies, which proves their commitment,” adds Godwin.
Energy-Efficient Agricultural Machinery: Sustainable Drive Systems & Fuel-Saving Designs
Farmers are also adopting energy-efficient technologies in their machinery. This tech includes vehicles with sustainable drive systems and lighter designs for fuel efficiency.
“53% of farmers see machinery that is more environmentally friendly as important to sustainable food production. This was reflected in the farmers’ preference to use machinery that is less damaging to soils. 62% of farmers also referenced the durability of equipment as key to upholding sustainable practices,” says Godwin.
When asked about future investments in the Continental study, 35% of farmers indicated that sustainability would play a key role in their decisions.
“The results, combined, speak for themselves. Farmers believe in making decisions that will enable them and the generations that follow to farm in both responsible and sustainable ways. The future of farming depends on this, and Continental has pledged to support it with manufacturing techniques and technologies that will help bring new, more sustainable options to agriculture,” concludes Godwin.
