Key takeaways
- The Nexio Research Barometer 2026, conducted from December 15 to January 12 among 800 cereal farmers (source AGRESTE), assessed operators' sense of technical progress.
- 61.5% report learning new techniques in the past two years (22.5% 'Yes, completely' and 39.0% 'Yes, somewhat'), signaling evolving production models.
- The 22.5% who feel they are learning 'completely' indicate a technical elite focused on knowledge transfer, per Nexio Research.
- In 2026, farmers seek skills rather than just products; value lies in helping master new practices, not solely in solution performance.
- The Nexio Research Barometer 2026 confirms that knowledge is the new growth lever for the agro-industry.
In an environment where agronomic and technological transitions are accelerating, the ability to renew knowledge has become a major resilience factor. The latest Nexio Research Barometer (study conducted from December 15 to January 12 among 800 cereal farmers, source AGRESTE) focused on a strong psychological indicator: the sense of technical progress among operators.
The data collected by Nexio Research reveals an agricultural world in motion, far from the image of a sector frozen in its certainties.
1. A Widely Shared Learning Dynamic #
To the question "In the past two years, have you felt that you discovered or learned new techniques/cultivation practices?", cereal farmers report a real evolution in their practices:
- 61.5% of respondents confirm having progressed (22.5% "Yes, completely" and 39.0% "Yes, somewhat").
- 38.5% believe they have not integrated any significant new methods (28.7% "No, not really" and 9.8% "No, not at all").
This feeling of skill enhancement for more than 6 out of 10 cereal farmers highlights that the profession is in a phase of reinventing its production models.
2. Macro Analysis: The Central Role of Technical Expertise #
For Nexio Research, this statistic reflects a necessity for adaptation in the face of climatic and regulatory challenges. The fact that 22.5% of operators feel they are learning "completely" indicates the emergence of a technical elite very attentive to knowledge transfer.
For agri-suppliers, this data changes the nature of the client relationship: the farmer of 2026 no longer simply consumes a product; they seek to acquire a skill. The added value of a partner is no longer measured solely by the performance of their solution, but by their ability to assist the operator in mastering new cultivation practices.
3. Strategic Activation: From Sales to Knowledge Transfer #
The analysis of these figures by Nexio Research allows for defining action levers for marketing and sales departments:
- Communication Lever: Your content strategy must necessarily integrate an educational dimension. By becoming a source of training and monitoring, you respond to the learning needs identified by Nexio Research. "Content Marketing" thus becomes a loyalty tool through expertise.
- Marketing Lever: The segmentation of your offers can now rely on the degree of technical maturity. Offer differentiated solutions for the 61.5% of active learners eager for novelties, while simplifying access to change for more reluctant profiles.
- Sales Lever: The sales force must be positioned as a network of expert advisors. In a market where the farmer is constantly learning, the successful salesperson is the one who provides new technical insights and assistance in implementing innovative practices.
Conclusion: Capitalizing on the Thirst for Knowledge #
The Nexio Research Barometer 2026 confirms that knowledge is the new growth lever for the agro-industry. An operator who learns is an operator who invests in the future.
At Nexio Research, we help our clients transform these insights into field support strategies. By precisely understanding what your clients have learned and what they are still seeking to master, we provide you with the keys to become their reference partner in this technical transition.
About the author
Rebecca.P
Analyst at Nexio Research
Analyst at Nexio Research, specializing in strategic decision-making in agriculture and agri-tech.
