A study of more than 500 farmers from across Germany, France, USA, Brazil and Japan has highlighted the need for support for sustainable farming practices.
The study was commissioned in 2023 by tyre manufacturer Continental, alongside market research institute Innofact AG. The results show that respondents ranked environmentally friendly agriculture as the number one factor that will determine the medium-term success of their business.
The environment and sustainability of agriculture ranked higher than safety or 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.
Around 69% considered soil quality to be a critical factor in sustainable agriculture and the economic success of their business, while 79% felt it was important to work for a farm that is committed to the environment and proactively addresses the issue of sustainability.
For the latter statistic, it should be noted that of the 503 people surveyed, 50.5% are employees of a farming business, 42.5% are in a management role at a farm, and the final 7% work as contractors.
“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 Tom.
Using energy-efficient technologies extended to agricultural machinery, including vehicles that use sustainable drive systems, or which are lighter weight to be more fuel efficient.
“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 Tom.
When asked about investments, 35% said that sustainability would be an important consideration in their choice of what to invest next. While this might seem low, given the overall focus on sustainability, Continental clarifies that price continues to be a limiting factor and was the most relevant challenge for those surveyed (72%).
Tom concludes: “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.”