Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

This policy brief presents findings from a study conducted at Living Lab Agronov in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, exploring how digital technologies can reduce agricultural inputs by 2031. It examines two scenarios—'better not best' and 'worse not worst'—assessing digital adoption impacts on pesticide reduction. The research, involving 61 stakeholders including startups and agri-tech firms, uses the STEEP methodology to analyze drivers of change, adoption barriers, and digital transition accelerators across farm types. Key policy recommendations focus on enhancing digital innovation, securing public funding, supporting farmers, ensuring equitable access, improving data security, and promoting open innovation. The study, part of the EU-funded DESIRA project (Grant No. 818194), addresses environmental sustainability, economic competitiveness, and technological development in agriculture, with findings published in February 2022.