Digitalisation is often presented as a solution for increasing agricultural efficiency, yet its economic impact depends strictly on how it is implemented. According to Eurostat and JRC data, in 2024 fewer than 35% of farms in Romania were using advanced digital tools such as crop monitoring systems, agricultural GPS, or farm management software—below the European Union average.

Initial costs are not negligible. Implementing a basic precision agriculture package can reach EUR 40–70 per hectare, to which recurring costs for licences, maintenance, and training are added. For small and medium-sized farms, these expenses are difficult to amortise without sufficient land area or integration with other investments.

The economic benefits are real but gradual. JRC studies show reductions in input use of between 5% and 15%, along with moderate yield increases, particularly in farms with high soil variability. In the absence of historical data and personnel capable of interpreting the information, these advantages quickly diminish.

Looking ahead to 2026, digitalisation becomes effective only when it is correlated with agronomic decision-making and financial management. Technology used in isolation can generate additional costs without a proportional impact on profitability.

(Photo: Freepik)