Towards circular farming. Factors affecting EU farmers’ decision to adopt emission-reducing innovations

Abstract

The agriculture and livestock sectors are facing several challenges with regard to achieving current EU environmental objectives (Greenhouse gas emissions reduction and nutrient loss). Farmers are continuously looking to adopt technologies and solutions that may ensure sustainable food production systems. Innovation adoption at the farm level based on a circular economy may improve resource efficiency, allow the reuse and recovery of nutrients, and reduce the negative effect of emissions on soil, water and air. However, there are different factors influencing adoption decisions with regard to sustainable agriculture technologies. Farmers’ adoption decisions, depends on different attributes related to the farm and agricultural producer, also attitudes and behaviors strongly influence their decision to adopt sustainableagricultural technologies