How Tech Innovations Are Revolutionizing the Fresh Produce Landscape
This year, we are seeing more and more conversations surrounding technology and AI use within agriculture, and how these new tools are transforming the fresh product industry. We’ve rounded up some points to consider with regards to what this means for our industry, how tech can benefit your ag business, and some cautions to note before diving into the new tech scene.
Optimization with Data Driven Irrigation
One of main advances we are seeing implemented throughout the industry is data driven irrigation. With real-time, field and plant level data detection and analytics, farmers have the opportunity to adjust irrigation levels and water needs of each plant. This is important to not only conserve water but also to tend to the needs of individual plants rather than with the “one size fits all” mentality. For example, one stalk of celery might be fully hydrated while another is lacking in water retention. Not watering one or overwatering another can change the flavor profile and quality of the plant. So, the use of this new data-based irrigation practice helps take some of the guessing out of farming and enable growers to have more confidence in their crop, which will ultimately help provide more consistent high-quality food!
Sustainability to The Max
Another important way AI and tech are revolutionizing the fresh produce landscape is the reduction of food waste. Through field and plant motoring as well as advances in understanding and predicting weather patterns, we are able to decrease food waste, and the resources used to grow our food. All around this can increase sustainability practices in the field where we might be overusing water, fertilizer, etc. AI technologies are able to detect and predict situations that a human may not be able to, which is critical in increasing sustainable practices.
Traceability & Transparency
Technology being used in the field as well as supply chain can enhance traceability through data logging and automated reporting. All of this ultimately increases transparency with growers, which is key in the ever-changing landscape of the fresh produce industry. AI and tech can only do so much, and there will almost always be a chance for a recall, however the use of these new technologies can help in the traceback protocol. This type of data use can help to reduce the amount of time it would take for a grower to trace back to where the issue began!
Things to Consider
While technological advances are a key ingredient for farming and ag, this type of integration into a hands-on industry is still very new, and with that comes challenges and problems that need to be worked out. For those who are interested in implementing AI and new technological practices into their farming, be aware that there is a hefty cost typically associated with including technology into the farming routine. Furthermore, there is a worry about the displacement of workers when it comes to use of robots and automation making its way onto fields. While there might be areas where certain hands-on-farming is replaced by tech, there will also be areas where more people are needed to handle and use the new tools. As always, proceed with caution but try to stay curious about how AI can really benefit the industry!
Whether you are already using some of the new tech tools within your farming practices, or if you are still trying to figure out how they can benefit your agriculture needs, there are multiple reasons to consider using technology and AI within your farming business!
