Farmers Lead the Way: Researching Innovation and Technology on the Ground

We’re proud to have been the research agency commissioned by the UK Agri-Tech Centre to undertake one of the most comprehensive farmer engagement studies of the year, culminating in the report Innovation and Technology: The Farmer’s Perspective.

Download the report by clicking on the image

Over several months, our team at Grounded Research conducted 122 in-depth telephone interviews with farmers across the UK—arable, livestock, mixed and horticulture, exploring their perspectives on agricultural innovation and technology. These conversations went far beyond surface-level surveys. Farmers gave their time generously, speaking at length about the real-world challenges they face and the kinds of practical solutions they are looking for.

What emerged was powerful: farmers are not resistant to change, but they need tools and technologies that fit their systems, offer tangible returns, and help lighten the load. Technology is seen not as a silver bullet, but as one of many tools useful only when developed with farmers, not just for them.

We're incredibly grateful to the UK Agri-Tech Centre team for their collaboration, clarity of purpose, and commitment to farmer-led innovation. Special thanks also go to our dedicated research team, who worked with care and curiosity throughout, and most of all, to the farmers who participated in this work. Your insight and honesty were the heartbeat of this project.

The findings from the research are already sparking vital conversations across the industry. For those who’d like to hear more, we highly recommend tuning into the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s podcast series Let’s Talk Agri-Tech, where key voices discuss what the research means for the future of on-farm innovation.

🎧 Listen to the podcast series

This report is not the end, it’s the start of a deeper dialogue between farmers, researchers, and technology developers. One we’re excited to keep contributing to.