The authors examine how 5,500 farmers across ten countries are responding to tighter margins, volatile inputs, and rapid technology change. Spending intentions weakened sharply, while 17% already use generative AI for farm tasks and biologicals adoption exceeds 50% among specialty-crop farmers, signaling selective rather than indiscriminate innovation.
Global Farmer Insights 2026
McKinsey & Company
David Fiocco
Research
40 Pages
Key Takeaways
Spending turns cautious: Net spending sentiment fell 49 points in Argentina, 29 in Canada, 28 in India, and 24 in Brazil since 2024.
AI adoption accelerates: Seventeen percent of farmers use generative AI for farm tasks, but only 4% currently pay for AI solutions.
Advisers retain influence: Agronomists influence 56% of farmers, while only 6% cite generative AI or AI search as trusted decision-making sources.