Discussion Paper prepared for presentation at the 99th Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Society, Bordeaux School of Economics, University of Bordeaux, France

Stuart Henderson

No 356746, Agricultural Economics Society 99th Annual Conference, April 14-16, 2025, The University of Bordeaux, France from Agricultural Economics Society (AES)

Abstract: As fruit prices increase by less than inflation and farm subsidies in England are being reduced, growers may need to adopt a new technology such as a Precision Variable Rate Spray (PVRS) system to increase their yield of top-quality fruit and reduce their input costs. Engineering and agronomist researchers are developing and attempting to commercialise a PVRS system for use in top fruit orchards in England. A PVRS system targets a variable level of chemical application within specific sections of fruit trees within an orchard and are yet to be adopted by the industry. Q-methodology explores the stakeholder perspectives of what factors lead to the adoption of a PVRS system in orchard growing. Adoption cost relative to farm size, the attitude of the farmer towards adoption of new technologies in general as well as the environment and being able to demonstrate that the technology works are shown to be some of the most significant factors promoting adoption.

Keywords: Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies; Research Methods/Statistical Methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 7
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:aes025:356746

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.356746

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