Adaviv: How We Can Empower the Next Generation of Ag Leaders and Workers Through Technology
Technology is often touted as the savior of much of the world’s current challenges, and agriculture is no exception, write Adaviv’s Ian Seiferling and Julian Ortiz at Greenhouse Grower. Yet despite a rise in agritech, two dual challenges emerge in the sector: the declining interest from the younger generation, and perplexing productivity stagnation. Just as the average farmer reaches 58 years old and only 6% of growers fall under 35, according to the National Young Farmers Coalition, multiple sectors are seeing significant decreases in labor productivity: a 2.5% decrease in manufacturing labor productivity as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The allure of knowledge-driven careers, promising lucrative returns, threatens to sideline traditional sectors like agriculture. If we are to truly empower the ag sector with technology, it must be made to engage a new generation of workers, while also creating better conditions and productivity of workers.
Misconceptions and Challenges in Agriculture
Agriculture is often perceived as low-paying, high-risk, and easily replaceable by technology. In reality, farming demands specialized knowledge in genetics, meteorology, pest management, and soil composition. The challenges of attracting young talent aren’t exclusive to agriculture. The U.S. manufacturing sector foresees a staggering 2.1 million worker shortage by 2030. This emphasizes the urgency to make careers in traditional sectors, including agriculture, more appealing to the youth.
Learning from International Efforts
Several countries have successfully countered this declining interest by investing in technological development for rural areas. According to the World Bank, Brazil and China have invested significant amounts into agricultural research and development (R&D). According to USDA data, China’s annual expenditure on agricultural R&D exceeds $10 billion and Brazil employed more than 5,000 full-time researchers and spent more than $1 billion on agricultural R&D. These investments have boosted agricultural productivity and profitability, making the sector more attractive to potential workers.
The Human Touch in a Tech-Driven World
The manufacturing landscape also lends the lessons that despite the rise in automation, the human touch remains paramount, and agriculture too can’t rely solely on technology. Machines can assist, but it’s the knowledge and expertise of the grower that truly drives the sector. Enhancing productivity and labor conditions via a human in the loop transformation is critical. If melded with principles like Lean and positive organizational change that democratizes data and visibility from technology, the two can make the workplace more appealing, efficient, and rewarding. They enable task monitoring, skill development, and knowledge enhancement, making farming an engaging and less physically demanding profession. For instance, digital tools offer real-time performance feedback, helping workers refine their skills.
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