Digital farming gains speed

Patent data shows a fast-growing tech shift in agriculture  

Farming is no longer only about tractors, seasons, or manual work. Across Europe, agriculture is becoming a technology-driven environment. Sensors, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms now shape daily operations. A recent report from the European Patent Office confirms this shift with strong innovation data.  
 

A fast-growing innovation domain 

The European Patent Office analysed almost 270,000 patent families and 400,000 patent applications linked to digital agriculture worldwide. The conclusion is clear: digital agriculture is now one of the most dynamic technology growth markets in Europe.

Since 2012, patent activity has grown at an average rate of 9.4% per year. This is nearly three times faster than growth in other technology fields. This acceleration is strongest where digital tools meet agricultural operations.

Industry drives the momentum 

The large growth that started in 2021 in digital agriculture is largely driven by companies. By 2022, companies accounted for 88% of all patent families in this field. This confirms a clear shift towards an industrial technology market led by corporate research and development.  

Leading innovators include agricultural machinery and automation companies such as John Deere, CNH Industrial, Claas, and Kubota. Companies active in livestock farming, such as Lely and DeLaval, also play a key role. Electronics firms like LG and Panasonic contribute through greenhouse and controlled-environment technologies. 

Europe holds ground in a global race 

Europe remains a strong innovation hub in digital agriculture. Its position is supported by established machinery manufacturers and a broad ecosystem of universities and start-ups. 

The report identifies: 

• 125 European universities active in patenting
• 194 European start-ups contributing to innovation 

At the same time, global competition is increasing. Asia shows the fastest growth, with patenting rising by 13.1% per year. Latin America follows with 10.8% annual growth. This confirms that digital agriculture is part of a global technology race. 

Technology areas gaining traction 

Open-field plant agriculture is the fastest-growing segment. The number of patent families in this domain has increased sevenfold since 2000. Between 2012 and 2022, growth reached 13% per year.

This growth is closely linked to enabling technologies: 

• Advanced imaging systems
• Drone-based monitoring
• AI-driven decision tools
• Field robotics 

While drones and AI entered the field later, data and AI now show the strongest growth. They have overtaken environmental technologies in international patent filings per year. 

Summary

Digital agriculture has evolved into a fast-growing industrial technology field. Patent activity has increased sharply since 2012 and is mainly driven by companies. Europe remains strong, but global competition is rising. Growth is strongest in open-field agriculture, supported by AI, data, and automation technologies.  
 

Internal and external links 

• Sirris innovation support (to be added)