Assessing costs and benefits of agricultural digitalisation: the case of data collection support tools in agricultural-pastoral farms

The digitalisation of agriculture is transforming production models, offering advanced tools for data management and operational efficiency. This study examines the impact of digital technologies, focusing on agricultural-pastoral farms as a case study, with particular attention to the social, economic, and environmental costs and benefits perceived by stakeholders. A living lab approach was used, involving farmers, technicians, animal science and ICT experts, and supply chain representatives to make a participatory evaluation of a co-designed Farm Management Information System. This study contributes to the literature by offering an insightful analysis of stakeholder-driven digitalisation processes in the agricultural sector. Results indicate no negative social or environmental externalities. Costs are classified as transition for user training, transaction for collaboratively developing the data-sharing and governance infrastructure, and operational for maintenance expenses and return on the public investment that funded its development. Social benefits include improved farmer well-being, reduced administrative burdens, and greater appeal for young farmers. Economic benefits involve increased productivity, enhanced management efficiency, cost reductions, and a higher market value. Environmental benefits arise from optimised resource use, less waste, and reduced antibiotic resistance. These findings highlight the potential of digitalisation to enhance production quality, animal welfare, and farm management, laying the foundation for broader benefits along the supply chain, aligned with the principles of sustainable digitalisation.