Use and impact of the internet in the Greek agricultural sector : final results of a survey of web site owners

Abstract

This paper discusses final results of a survey that was conducted to identify the use and impact of Internet in the Greek agricultural sector. A number of agricultural organisations and enterprises, having an Internet presence through a web site, responded to our survey that was carried out electronically using e-mail. Results of the survey indicate that the Internet is utilised and applied in nonprofessional way and has not yet satisfied many key expectations. For example, 72.6% are not satisfied by the results of their web presence in comparison to their initial expectations, only 7.3% of the total respondents are fully satisfied in relation to attracting new customers and 62.3% of them answered that they experienced a total failure in selling products or services through their web site. Non-professional approach in developing and marketing their web presence and not well-focused efforts are probably two of the main reasons for these poor results. For instance, 81.9% admit their web presence needs qualitative improvement and only 12% makes weekly updates. Generally, the results of the survey indicate that the Internet has not yet influenced decisively the agricultural business in Greece. Probably, more support is required from governmental organisations and programs to increase adoption of ICT and thus achieve larger influence in agricultural business.