Foresight study - Farmers of the future
Study forecasting the future personas of farmers and future landscapes in the European context
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
The “Farmers of the Future” study was carried out to investigate the different typologies of European farmers that will dominate in the medium and long term under different drivers and megatrends in agriculture in the European Union, such as climate change and resource scarcity, technological change, infrastructural issues and changes in food/dietary demands. The report presents an assessment of the European landscape in 2024 and the possible policy implications for the 12 defined farmer typologies: adaptive, corporate, intensive, patrimonial, controlled environment, cell, social care, lifestyle, regenerative, urban, serious and community-provisioning.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The study predicts the digital technologies that may be required by the different farmer typologies in agriculture and rural areas in the future for the management of their livestock, including such technologies as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality technologies through which animals can communicate with farmers as forms of “cyborg animals”, augmented with implanted sensors and other technologies. Among the Internet of things (IoT) of the future may be such tools as gloves that can analyse soil electronically and analogously to precisely determine the necessary actions for chemical, biological and mineral reactivation.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The main users of the resource are academic institutions and civil society organizations, farming advisors and public entities such as government bodies, which can benefit from an overview of the future direction of the aggrotech landscape. The private sector, on the other hand, may be inspired by the examples of technological solutions proposed in the document.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The study raises awareness of the future of farmers and farming in the European Union and fosters discussions of appropriate policies in this regard. It has served as a useful policy framework bringing together different stakeholders – including members of the public and policymakers – for direct engagement in discussions of food policy issues. It aims to increase the understanding of digitalization in agriculture and rural areas and to analyse the potential consequences or pre-requisites.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
European Union
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better environment
Better life
