We need to ask ourselves what we want for the future of agriculture and develop a shared vision for how AI will help us to achieve it

Henry

<p><em><span class="tvm__text--legacy-publishing-emphasis">This is part two of a two-part series on the role of the AI revolution in reshaping agriculture. You can find part one <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/navigating-the-ai-revolution-in-agriculture-iii-a-story-of-promise-and-paradox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</span></em></p>
<h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1"><span class="tvm__text--legacy-publishing-emphasis">The shadows of the AI revolution</span></h2>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Job displacement and skill gap</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">The shadows of the AI revolution are complex, affecting regions like the American Midwest, where automation has resulted in a 5-10% decline in agricultural employment. In Ohio alone, over 2,000 agricultural jobs were lost between 2015 and 2020. Some experts argue that AI could lead to job losses in the agricultural sector.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"><strong>Figure 2.</strong> Graph on how agricultural labor faces some of the greatest losses from AI and automation</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/c520b2987a4de2a011e80d2a9526a351d4da40ce.png?" alt="graph on how Agricultural Labor faces some of the greatest losses from AI and Automation" /></p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">India's technological modernization has led to a 50% increase in demand for tech-savvy farm workers, leaving many traditional farmers behind. Reskilling initiatives and policies are necessary to bridge this gap, with programs like Microsoft's Project Sangam aiming to educate over 10,000 farmers by 2025.&nbsp;<a href="https://agfundernews.com/uae-egypt-will-face-a-significant-shortage-of-skilled-labor-for-climate-smart-farms-heres-why-thats-important">Agritecture continues to work on this problem with its work in the Middle East on filling the skilled labor gap in climate-smart agriculture.</a></p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Japan's shift towards robotics in farming has required a transformation in agricultural education, equipping the next generation with the skills to navigate a technological landscape. The balance between technological advancement and workforce adaptation is a complex dance requiring thoughtful choreography.</p>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Ethical considerations and data privacy</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Ethical dilemmas are also surfacing, with Europe's GDPR raising questions about data ownership in agriculture. Surveys reveal that 80% of European farmers have expressed concern over data privacy, leading to increased regulations in countries like France and Germany.</p>
<blockquote class="reader-text-block__quote">"The use of AI in agriculture is not without controversy. There are concerns about data privacy, ownership, and the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities in the industry." - Karen Levy, Cornell University</blockquote>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">China's AI guidelines are pioneering efforts to protect farmer rights, setting an example for ethical conduct. Balancing technology with tradition is another concern, as indigenous farming practices in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa risk being lost. Organizations like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">FAO</a>&nbsp;are working on integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques.</p>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">High costs and accessibility</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Controversies surrounding the implementation of AI in agriculture are growing, as the intersection between technology and traditional farming practices raises complex issues. Critics argue that the rapid deployment of AI, driven by large corporations, could marginalize small and medium-sized farmers who cannot afford the necessary technology, leading to increased inequality within the agricultural sector. Concerns over data privacy have also arisen, as questions about who owns and controls the vast amounts of farm data collected by AI systems remain unresolved. Ethical considerations, such as potential biases in algorithms that might favor certain crops or farming methods to the detriment of biodiversity, add another layer of complexity. These controversies underscore the need for transparent, inclusive, and regulated adoption of AI in agriculture, where all stakeholders' interests are considered and safeguarded.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">There are concerns about the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities in the food system.&nbsp;The financial barriers to integrating AI into farming can also be daunting, with costs sometimes exceeding $250,000. In Africa, where 70% of small-scale farmers have little access to modern AI technologies, this is a significant barrier. Digital platforms and government-led initiatives in regions like Latin America are essential to bridge the technology gap and democratize access.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Overdependence on AI has its downsides</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">The widespread adoption of AI in agriculture also brings significant risks, including increased vulnerability to cyberattacks and overreliance on algorithm-driven decisions. A failure in AI systems, whether through technical glitches or malicious hacking, could result in catastrophic crop losses or mismanagement of resources. Furthermore, a bias in data or flawed algorithms might lead to incorrect decisions, exacerbating inequalities and possibly harming the environment. The concentration of technological power in the hands of a few large corporations also raises concerns about monopolistic control and reduced competition. To navigate these challenges, a robust regulatory framework, constant vigilance, and a multifaceted approach to risk management will be essential in ensuring that the benefits of AI in agriculture are realized without compromising security, ethics, or social equity.</p>
<blockquote class="reader-text-block__quote">"AI is not a silver bullet for agriculture. It's a tool that needs to be used in conjunction with other technologies and practices to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes." - Michael F. Gorman, Univeristy of Dayton, Ohio</blockquote>
<h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1"><span class="tvm__text--legacy-publishing-emphasis">Cultivating a brighter future with AI</span></h2>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Public-private partnerships</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Public and private partnerships in AI and agriculture are emerging as vital collaborative efforts to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the sector. These partnerships often combine the resources, expertise, and networks of governments, academic institutions, technology companies, and agricultural organizations to develop and deploy AI solutions tailored to specific agricultural challenges. For instance, the collaboration between the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/usda/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">USDA</a>&nbsp;and Microsoft on the FarmBeats project is aimed at developing data-driven farming practices through AI and IoT technologies. Similarly, in many developing countries, partnerships between tech startups, NGOs, and governmental bodies are unlocking AI-driven insights for smallholder farmers. These collaborations help bridge gaps in funding, technology, and knowledge, fostering a more inclusive and effective approach to modernizing agriculture. They also facilitate the alignment of commercial interests with societal goals such as food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">The EU's Horizon 2020 program stands out as a prime example of large-scale efforts driving continental and national innovation in the intersection of AI and agriculture. With a substantial &euro;4 billion allocation, the Horizon 2020 program has enabled an ambitious push for research, technological development, and innovation, focusing on AI-driven solutions to address sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate adaptation within Europe. Collaboration between member states, research institutions, and private entities has been instrumental in fostering creativity and accelerating progress.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">These initiatives reflect a strategic commitment to harnessing AI as a transformative tool for modern agriculture. They also showcase how public investment can catalyze private participation, shaping a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, commercialization, and broader societal benefit. The synergy between public policy objectives and private sector dynamism in these programs offers a model for how government-led initiatives can stimulate technological advancement, economic growth, and social well-being in agriculture and beyond.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">However, these efforts cannot exist in a vacuum. To truly make strides in AI adoption in agriculture, we need to see a collective push from myriad stakeholders - from government bodies, researchers, tech companies, to individual farmers. Let's delve deeper into the current role of AI in agriculture and the potential future applications that could revolutionize this age-old industry.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Education and training</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">As the application of AI in agriculture continues to expand, there is increasing recognition of the need for more comprehensive education and training programs to equip farmers and agricultural professionals with the skills required to navigate the evolving AI landscape. Initiatives like Microsoft&rsquo;s FarmBeats, in collaboration with universities like Purdue, have taken significant strides in this direction, providing hands-on training and support to over 5,000 farmers.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Beyond immediate training, agricultural universities and colleges worldwide are integrating AI, data science, and related technologies into their curriculum. This fosters a new generation of tech-savvy agricultural professionals who are not only proficient in traditional farming practices but are also equipped to leverage AI-driven tools for enhanced productivity and sustainability. Governmental bodies, industry leaders, and educational institutions are beginning to recognize that bridging the knowledge gap is critical for the democratization of AI in agriculture.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Tailored educational programs, online platforms, workshops, and community outreach are being employed to ensure that knowledge is accessible to farmers of all scales, including those in underserved or rural areas. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors are seen as key to achieving this goal, and further investments will likely be needed to create a globally competitive workforce that can harness the full potential of AI to meet the diverse and growing demands of modern agriculture.</p>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Ethical guidelines and regulations</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Across the globe, governments are recognizing the potential impact of AI on the agricultural sector and are consequently establishing regulations and ethical guidelines. These are designed to foster innovation, promote sustainability, and ensure social justice in the application of AI in agriculture. Countries such as the United States and Japan are leading the way in this regard.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">We need a shared vision of AI for agriculture&nbsp;</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">The integration of AI in agriculture is a complex, multifaceted journey filled with opportunities, challenges, ethical dilemmas, and transformation. By exploring diverse perspectives, detailed case studies, and comprehensive facts and figures, we have traversed an intricate landscape.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">This analysis is not merely a research exercise but a call to action for all stakeholders to collaboratively cultivate a future where technology and humanity thrive in harmony. The seeds of transformation are planted, and the harvest promises to be rich in innovation, wisdom, and global collaboration. Overall, we need to ask ourselves what we want for the future of agriculture and develop a shared vision for how AI will help us to achieve it. We need to share our voices and guide regulators to put in place smart policies for AI across industries including agriculture. Remember, technology has, and always will be, a double-edged sword, and ignoring the unintended consequences will harm our fragile global food system.</p>
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<p><em>illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.</em></p>
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Navigating the AI revolution in agriculture (II/II): a story of promise and paradox

AI in the agriculture market is projected to skyrocket to a staggering $2.6 billion by 2025

<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"><em>This is part one of a two-part series on the role of the AI revolution in reshaping agriculture. You can find part two <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/navigating-the-ai-revolution-in-agriculture-iiii-a-story-of-promise-and-paradox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</em></p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, few sectors remain untouched by technological advancement, and agriculture is no exception. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping agriculture with a level of precision and efficiency previously unimaginable.&nbsp;It's reinventing agricultural practices with efficiency results that we could only dream of a few years back.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Brace yourself for this - AI in the agriculture market is projected to skyrocket to a staggering $2.6 billion by 2025. But don't get too excited just yet! This revolution is a complex development with its fair share of challenges. In this edition, we're diving headfirst into the profound influence of AI on agriculture, sharing facts, figures, and real-life examples from my research. We're here to navigate through the exciting opportunities, the looming hurdles, and the thrilling prospects of the future. So buckle up, and let's explore this brave new world together.</p>
<h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1"><span class="tvm__text--legacy-publishing-emphasis">Seeds of transformation</span></h2>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">AI-driven efficiency and sustainability</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">The integration of AI in agriculture is heralding a new era of efficiency and sustainability. Leading the charge are companies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-deere/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">John Deere</a>, who have harnessed autonomous machinery to increase productivity by 15% and reduce herbicide use by 90%. Their partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluerivertech/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Blue River Technology</a>&nbsp;has optimized planting patterns, revolutionizing traditional farming techniques.&nbsp;A big benefit is that AI-powered robots can work 24/7, increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/trimble/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Trimble Inc.</a>'s Connected Farm is another game-changer, utilizing GPS and big data to reduce fuel and seed costs by 20%. From precision agriculture to drone surveillance, innovative tools like DJI Agras T20 have enabled the spraying of 12 hectares per hour, reducing water usage by 50%.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Water conservation is a global necessity, with companies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/wiseconn-usa/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">WiseConn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/netafim/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Netafim</a>&nbsp;making significant strides. WiseConn's DropControl system has resulted in a 30% reduction in water usage, implementing AI across 50,000 acres of farmland. Netafim's drip irrigation, operating in 110 countries, has saved 40 billion gallons of water annually.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/agritectureconsulting/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Agritecture</a>&nbsp;is using AI to help farmers. As climate change is threatening the iconic taste of beer, with Czech hops production facing particular vulnerabilities. In the Czech Republic, droughts in 2015 and 2018 caused 34% and 30% reductions in hops production respectively. Additionally, Alpha acid levels, crucial to hops characteristics, have shown fluctuations based on climate conditions. As these elements become more unstable, farmers' ability to produce consistently becomes increasingly challenging. The question arose: how to increase the drought resiliency of Czech hops farmers?</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">In 2021, a groundbreaking partnership was formed between Agritecture, Asahi, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Microsoft</a>&nbsp;to address this challenge. Awarded a grant under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-earth">Microsoft's 'AI for Earth' initiative</a>, the trio set out to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for climate-smart hop growing in the Czech Republic. Through precision agriculture, monitoring drought data, combining historical and real-time data, and employing Microsoft's tools like the Planetary Computer and Farmbeats, the collaboration aims to strengthen crop performance and resilience against climate change.</p>
<blockquote class="reader-text-block__quote">&ldquo;Climate change is accelerating and Agritecture sees an urgent need for its ability to build great teams, select innovative technologies, and tackle large global agriculture challenges. The &lsquo;For Hops&rsquo; project is an exciting first major precision agriculture project for Agritecture and we are looking forward to helping farmers in the Czech Republic and beyond adapt to climate change.&rdquo; - Henry Gordon-Smith, CEO, Agritecture</blockquote>
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<figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light">Harvesting hops in the Czech Republic the old-fashioned way with Microsoft's Andreas Fibiger</figcaption>
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<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">The proposed software solution leverages AI and machine learning to gather and interpret climate data, offering Czech hops farmers insights into historical climate data and real-time responses. With Agritecture's expertise, partner TensoAI's algorithms, and dedicated app development for Asahi and its suppliers, the project offers a comprehensive approach to help farmers understand their crops and manage water efficiently. The initiative not only secures the future for Czech hops farming but also represents a potential model for other agricultural regions vulnerable to climate change. The collaboration with Microsoft and Asahi marks a significant transition for Agritecture and a global stride toward adapting agriculture to climate change.</p>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Data-driven insights and prediction</h3>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Think of Big Data as the pulsating heart, the lifeblood, if you will, of contemporary farming. It's the unseen oracle that guides our decisions by offering invaluable insights and accurate forecasts. For instance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibm/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">IBM</a>&nbsp;Watson has been crunching a&nbsp;decade's worth of weather data, and what's the outcome? A&nbsp;whopping 25% surge in crop yield! On the other side, we have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sap/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">SAP</a>'s Connected Agriculture, a&nbsp;whiz at creating real-time market pricing models. It's been a&nbsp;game-changer, streamlining the supply chain, and revving up efficiency like a&nbsp;well-oiled machine.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">But hey, that's not all. AI is also boldly venturing into the realm of early disease detection. These smart models can sniff out potential trouble with a mind-boggling accuracy rate of up to 98%! Just imagine the billions of dollars that could be saved from potential catastrophes, not to mention the livelihoods of farmers adapting to climate change. From digging deep into soil analysis to acting as an early warning system for diseases, AI is shifting the paradigm from a reactive to a proactive mode in agricultural management.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Big data is revolutionizing the agricultural industry, with the global market for big data in agriculture expected to reach billions by 2027. Farms are becoming more digitized, collecting vast amounts of data on everything from soil quality to weather patterns. The ability to analyze and interpret these vast datasets through AI has the potential to transform agricultural practices.</p>
<blockquote class="reader-text-block__quote">"The future of agriculture is not about inputs, it's about information. The winners in agriculture will be those who can best acquire, manage, and utilize data." - Robert T. Fraley, Monsanto</blockquote>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">Big data and AI have also become essential tools for enhancing crop quality and managing pests. An example is the previously announced collaboration between&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerofarms/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">AeroFarms</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/delltechnologies/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">Dell Technologies</a>, utilizing IoT sensors and machine learning to monitor and analyze more than 130,000 data points every harvest cycle. In another case, a study in Brazil used satellite imagery and AI to detect and predict coffee leaf rust, resulting in targeted interventions and a significant reduction in disease spread.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">The application of big data and AI in agriculture also supports environmental sustainability and climate resilience. A case study by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nature-conservancy/" data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY">The Nature Conservancy</a>&nbsp;Conservancy in California showcased the utilization of remote sensing technology to analyze over a decade of landscape data. This analysis enabled precise conservation planning, promoting biodiversity and protecting against soil erosion. Moreover, big data aids in developing climate-smart agriculture, like the Climate Corporation's Climate FieldView platform, which analyzes over 150 million acres of farmland data to offer customized recommendations for sustainable farming. AI can also analyze soil data to determine the best crops to plant and the optimal time for planting, leading to higher yields and reduced waste.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph">The integration of big data and AI is not limited to developed agricultural regions; it has a global reach with enormous future prospects. In India, the AI-powered platform "CropIn" has impacted over 3 million acres, helping farmers make data-driven decisions to enhance productivity. In Africa, the start-up "UjuziKilimo" uses big data to provide smallholder farmers with precise agricultural insights. These global implementations showcase the potential of big data and AI in democratizing access to cutting-edge technology, enhancing food security, and paving the way for a new era in sustainable agriculture. The continued collaboration between tech companies, governments, and farming communities will be key to unlocking further potential.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"><em>This article is also published on the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-ai-revolution-agriculture-story-promise-henry-gordon-smith%3FtrackingId=unhvGIN5BQKf3eK0xzB2hw%253D%253D/?trackingId=unhvGIN5BQKf3eK0xzB2hw%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">author's blog</a>. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.</em></p>

Henry Gordon-Smith

Henry Gordon-Smith

Navigating the AI revolution in agriculture (II/II): a story of promise and paradox

Navigating the AI revolution in agriculture (I/II): a story of promise and paradox

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