Innovation and technology uptake on farm

Abstract

The belief that the average farmer in New Zealand is too old to adopt new technologies overlooks the evidence, and the overseas literature aligning adoption with education experience and financial security. It also overlooks the fact that many innovations are developed on farm by people experienced in what they are doing. This paper reviews the literature from a wide source of perspectives synthesising information and allowing examination of critical success factors (e.g., age, education, financial background, experience). New Zealand examples of innovation on farm are described. The research suggests that farmers adopt technologies when they can see the outcome in terms of the bottom line for their farming system. Education, experience and financial security are all part of the mix that allows the benefits to be evaluated against the risks. These farmers have the background to adapt new technologies to their farming systems, and to develop innovative approaches to meet new production challenges, whether environmental, economic or regulatory. Key words: Adoption, adaptation, end-user, extension