The agricultural sector is undergoing a demographic transformation, with the average age of farmers steadily increasing worldwide. In the European Union, the average farmer is over 55 years old, while fewer than 11% are under 40. Similar patterns are evident in the United States and Japan, where younger generations are entering farming in declining numbers. This demographic shift raises pressing questions about the sector’s capacity to adopt Agriculture 4.0 technologies –digitalization, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data– which are considered vital for productivity, sustainability and resilience.

The aim of this study is to examine the barriers faced by aging farmers in adopting these technologies and to identify educational approaches that can enhance their readiness and capacity to engage with digital agriculture. The methodology combines a structured review of recent literature with the analysis of case studies from training initiatives and policy programs targeting older and small-scale farmers. This mixed approach integrates theoretical insights with practical evidence on what works in promoting technology adoption.

Results indicate that digital literacy gaps, mistrust of unfamiliar tools, and uncertainty regarding the return on investment remain the most persistent obstacles to adoption. For many smallholders, particularly those nearing retirement age, the perceived risks and costs of digital solutions outweigh their expected benefits. Nevertheless, the study highlights several promising educational interventions. Tailored digital literacy programs, delivered in accessible formats and paced according to learners’ needs, help to build familiarity and confidence. Peer-to-peer learning and farmer-to-farmer demonstration projects are especially effective, as they allow older farmers to see technologies applied in contexts similar to their own. Moreover, co-design approaches, in which farmers are directly involved in shaping the tools they are expected to use, foster trust and ensure greater relevance.

A notable example is the ProAgria “Digi-Maatilojen Arkeen” project in Finland (2020-2023), specifically designed to improve digital skills among older farmers at risk of digital marginalization. Activities included information events, group workshops, field visits, and online learning, with a strong emphasis on peer-to-peer learning. Farmers were organized into groups to share experiences and learn both from visiting experts and from one another. This approach resulted in measurable improvements in digital skills and greater uptake of farm management tools among participants.

The conclusions emphasize that fostering technology adoption among aging farmers cannot rely solely on financial incentives or policy mandates. Evidence from EIP-AGRI seminars and pilot projects shows that grants or subsidies alone rarely ensure increased adoption of digital technologies, particularly among older farmers. It is the incorporation of tailored, hands-on activities, such as farmer field schools, live demonstrations, and group experimentation with technology, that leads to sustained changes in confidence and behavior. Aligning training methods with the specific needs of older generations, integrating experiential learning, and clearly communicating both risks and potential returns are therefore essential steps to bridging digital divides and achieving a more equitable diffusion of innovation across the farming population.

Keywords: Farmer training, Training methods, Inclusive education, Agriculture 4.0, Aging farmers, Analytics, Technology adoption, Digital literacy, Small-scale farming, Return on Investment.