Assessing Farm-Level Digital Maturity in European Agriculture: The Digital Farm Index and Investment Barriers to Agriculture 4.0

Abstract

The transition toward Agriculture 4.0 aims to improve farm performance and sustainability; however, existing macroeconomic indicators do not fully capture the depth of farm-level digital adoption. This study proposes the Digital Farm Index (DFI) as a tool for assessing digital maturity and regional disparities in European agriculture. The research combines bibliometric mapping of the scientific literature with an empirical DFI assessment for 18 European Union Member States using Eurostat data. The empirical assessment utilizes multiple linear regression, log-linear scale modeling, and hierarchical clustering to analyze adoption patterns and structural determinants. The index integrates four dimensions: connectivity, precision agriculture, robotics, and farm management information systems (FMIS). Results indicate that adoption is concentrated in larger farms, as area-weighted digital maturity (DFI-Hectares) consistently exceeds farm-level adoption (DFI-Farms). CAPEX-based cost modeling suggests the existence of a technological indivisibility threshold, whereby digitalization may become an entry barrier for fragmented farms with limited economies of scale. Multiple linear regression suggests an East–West structural trend: while farm size influences the territorial diffusion of technology, a more consolidated regional innovation ecosystem appears more relevant for farm-level adoption. Findings also highlight a hardware–software imbalance and limited use of data-driven managerial tools. Support policies should therefore move beyond equipment subsidies and include technology transfer networks, digital skills, and managerial data-integration tools.

Cite

@article{Ailioaei2026,
  title = {Assessing Farm-Level Digital Maturity in European Agriculture: The Digital Farm Index and Investment Barriers to Agriculture 4.0},
  author = {Ailioaei, Claudiu-Ovidiu and Dumitras, Constantin-Dragos and Coca, Oana and Stefan, Gavril},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Agriculture (MDPI)},
  volume = {16},
  number = {14},
  eid = {1565},
  doi = {10.3390/agriculture16141565},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16141565},
  keywords = {Digital Farm Index (DFI), Agriculture 4.0, cost of digitalization, farm performance}
}

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Ailioaei, Claudiu-Ovidiu
AU  - Dumitras, Constantin-Dragos
AU  - Coca, Oana
AU  - Stefan, Gavril
TI  - Assessing Farm-Level Digital Maturity in European Agriculture: The Digital Farm Index and Investment Barriers to Agriculture 4.0
PY  - 2026
JO  - Agriculture (MDPI)
VL  - 16
IS  - 14
C7  - 1565
DO  - 10.3390/agriculture16141565
UR  - https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16141565
KW  - Digital Farm Index (DFI)
KW  - Agriculture 4.0
KW  - cost of digitalization
KW  - farm performance
ER  -