COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRECISION AND DIGITAL AGRICULTURE ADOPTION IN ROMANIA AND WESTERN EUROPE

This study offers a comparative analysis of how Romania and Western European countries are adopting precision and digital agriculture, focusing on regional trends, challenges faced, and specific outcomes for farming practices. The dataset used in this research includes responses from structured surveys and in-depth interviews with farmers, industry experts, and policymakers from Romania and several European countries. These responses provide diverse perspectives on the socio-economic and structural factors that influence the use of digital tools and precision technologies. Data collection methods involved quantitative surveys to assess adoption rates and qualitative interviews to gather insights on how socio-economic differences and farm structures impact technology use. This dataset is complemented by a review of recent literature and case studies, offering a comprehensive view of digital agriculture's effects on efficiency, sustainability, and food security. Among the main findings, the study highlights a significant contrast: Western European farms, typically larger and benefiting from advanced infrastructure and supportive policies, show widespread adoption of precision agriculture. In contrast, Romania faces considerable challenges due to the high number of small-scale farms, limited financial resources, and a shortage of technical expertise. However, Romania's extensive high-speed internet infrastructure presents a unique advantage, enabling quicker adoption of digital tools where other barriers can be effectively managed. Farms in Romania that have embraced these technologies report substantial improvements in crop yields, resource efficiency, and environmental impact. The study concludes that to close Romania's adoption gap, tailored financial incentives, dedicated educational programs, and infrastructure support are essential to better align with broader European trends, fostering competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in Romanian agriculture.