International survey shows farmer commitment to sustainability

• A study of over 500 farmers from five countries* has highlighted the need, and desire, for agriculture to support sustainable farming practices

Technology and tyre giant Continental, together with market research institute Innofact AG, commissioned the study in 2023. The results show that the farmers questioned 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 was also 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 percent) experienced climate change and its negative effect on farm profitability,” says Continental’s Tom Godwin.

More than two-thirds of the farmers surveyed (around 69 percent) considered soil quality to be a critical factor for sustainable agriculture and the economic success of a farm, whilst a larger 79 percent considered it important to work for a farm that is committed to the environment and proactively addresses the issue of 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 percent of respondents said they are using sustainable alternatives to conventional pesticides, and 82 percent believe in the importance of using energy efficient technologies, which proves their commitment,” adds Mr Godwin.

The use of energy efficient technologies extended to agricultural machinery, including vehicles that feature sustainable drive systems or are lighter weight to be more fuel efficient.

“53 percent 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 percent of farmers also referenced the durability of equipment as key to upholding sustainable practices,” says Mr Godwin.

When asked about investments, 35 percent of those questioned referenced that sustainability would be an important consideration in their choice of what to invest in next.

“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 Mr Godwin.

• The five countries surveyed included Germany, France, USA, Brazil and Japan.