In the starting blocks for smart agriculture: The internet as a source of knowledge in transitional agriculture

Abstract

The work described here has sought to define the role of the Internet in knowledge acquisition among Polish farmers, as well as the diversity characterising their professional activity conducted online. Relevant discussion is in this way broadened to reflect the conditioning underpinning smart agriculture, most especially in the context of states emerging from a period of economic transition. Particular attention is here paid to the factor of choice of source of information assisting with the running of a farm. Analyses relating to this matter are founded upon questionnaires supplied by almost 2500 farmers. The results show that the Internet does not constitute the most important information source for Polish farmers, though there is a close link between use of the Internet and their basic social characteristics, as also associated with structural features of Polish agriculture. On that basis, it can be considered that Polish farming still finds itself at the preliminary phase of entry into smart agriculture. The Polish case shows that we cannot assume that there is a readiness for smart farming in all places.