What do agroecological farmers think about agritech?
This report by A Bigger Conversation as part of its Agroecological Intelligence project explores agroecological farmers’ and growers’ perception of agri-technology. The report finds that farmers and growers are not anti-technology, but they are suspicious of top-down, developer-driven technology. These often fail to consider farmer’s and growers’ interests and do not address wider reforms needed for a more sustainable, fair and resilient food system. The report does find, however, that farmers and growers are enthusiastic about agri-innovations when they have been designed and developed with them, their values and their needs in mind. The report also includes a guide to help practitioners assess agricultural technologies whether they are compatible with the principles and practices of agroecology. It also offers recommendations for how agritech could be better developed, regulated, financed and promoted.