Determinants of consumer and farmer acceptance of new production technologies: a systematic review

Greta Castellini ^1,2,3 Sara Romanò ⁴ Valentina Maria Merlino ^5,6* Filippo Barbera ⁴ CHIARA COSTAMAGNA ⁶ Filippo Brun ⁶ Guendalina Graffigna ^1,2,3

• ¹ Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Cremona, Italy
• ² Consumer and Health Engagement Research Center, Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
• ³ Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
• ⁴ Department of Culture, Politics and Society, School of Juridical, Political and Economic-Social Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Piedmont, Italy
• ⁵ University of Turin, Turin, Italy
• ⁶ Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Piedmont, Italy

The agricultural sector faces significant challenges in meeting rising food demands while addressing environmental sustainability and climate change. Adopting advanced technologies is crucial for transitioning to more sustainable farming practices. However, to ensure successful implementation of such technologies, consumers and other food supply chain actors should embrace them.Understanding the factors that hinder or facilitate this acceptance is therefore essential. This systematic review analyzes recent studies on the determinants of acceptance of new crop production technologies aimed at environmental sustainability. Comprehensive searches across three electronic databases were conducted in June 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. Out of 3,010 screened articles, 418 were assessed for eligibility, and 60 papers comprising 69 studies were selected. The review found that consumer acceptance is often limited by emotional barriers and perceived risks, while farmers are mainly concerned with economic factors and business-related risks. Facilitators for both groups include perceived benefits, education, and social networks. The review also highlights gaps in literature, such as the need for more studies using theoretical frameworks and a greater emphasis on social dimensions. This review provides valuable insights for enhancing the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies and offers recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to support the ecological transition in agriculture.