Development of Agriculture 4.0 in Germany

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the development and features of agriculture 4.0, or the fourth revolution applicable to this sector, in Germany. The concept was introduced by an institute, Leibniz-Forschungsverbund, based on industry 4.0. However, the concept remains multivocal and changing. The viewpoint of value chain played an important role in the initial concept of agriculture 4.0. However, it has not been emphasized in later discussions. Focus of the concept has moved to production process because of difficulty to establish M2M or machine-to-machine technology in agriculture that is a required condition for making the value chain flexible. The other typical feature of agriculture 4.0 is to take environmental conservation into consideration. The technology of agriculture 4.0 is also being applied to agricultural environmental programs.