For
the longest time, the world did not pay as much attention to the population
growth until things got out of hand, All of a sudden, we did not have enough
food to feed the global population properly. This has however changed, and more
attention is being paid to even the smallest of changes. As such, new trends
are being observed daily in response to these changes.
Increase in Food Demand
The
world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050. This
phenomenon changes the agricultural landscape altogether given that the world’s
land under agriculture has not been increasing. Farmers, therefore, have to
look for innovative ways to increase production otherwise severe food shortages
will be witnessed in future years. Production agriculture will definitely drive
the growth of all other sectors because, without food, living beings are
nothing.
Adoption of Technology
No
industry has been left behind in the technology age, and agriculture is no different.
Given that the world’s population is expected to hit the 9 billion mark soon,
it is imperative to come up with new technologies that will push up food
production and reduce wastage between the farm and the final consumer. The
world is currently looking at ways of ensuring that no food is lost due to poor
post-harvest farming practices. Automation is also playing into the
technological aspect since it allows for farming to be done faster and more
efficiently compared to what can be done by sheer human resources. Agricultural
robots, better known as agbots, are slowly being integrated into plowing,
harvesting, packaging, and other farming activities.
Vertical Farming
As
already mentioned, the world is looking for ways of boosting agricultural
production, and this is one of the ways that has been identified as a solution
to the ever decreasing amount of land under agriculture. Skyscraper farms could
soon replace farming as we know it, especially in urban areas. Skyscrapers
could be solely set aside for plant or animal farming practices. Vertical
farming also offers a unique opportunity for urban cities to be autonomous in
food production.
Changes in Consumer Tastes
People
are currently looking for more organic agricultural produce which is shifting
attention from what has been grown in the past. Additionally, diversification
in consumer tastes from traditional food sources such as corn is seeing farmers
experiment with other agricultural produce. Consumers are demanding a delicate
balance between fresh vs. processed foods, global vs. local foods, and healthy
vs. indulgent foods. This is an interesting trend to pay attention to since it
will drive which path food production is going to take.
Data Management
Data
is being collected in every sector. In the agricultural industry, the crux of
the matter is interpreting this data in such a way that it is useful to the
farmer on the ground. Translating this data into better economic gains for
farmers will influence how innovative farmers will be in meeting increased
demand for food.
Generational Change
The
current farmer is typically above 55 years old, but farming has to continue
into the future. Young people are taking over farming, and their exposure to
more education and technology is influencing farming systems. This new
generation of farmers is setting the pace for changes in farming as they push
for the integration of new science and technology in the traditional family
farm.
