Emerging Issue: Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and data analytics, to optimize processes. The use of artificial intelligence in agriculture has potential to enhance efficiency through precision agriculture, optimize resource use, and improve production.

AI enables farmers to collect and analyze data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health to make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. In addition, technology such as drones, robots and autonomous vehicles can utilize AI to collect data and perform various tasks, such as planting, harvesting, weeding and spraying with minimal intervention from the farmer. AI algorithms can then analyze historical data and real-time inputs to predict crop yields, market trends, and potential risks such as diseases or adverse weather conditions. In addition to uses on the farm, AI algorithms can optimize supply chain processes by analyzing factors such as demand forecasts, transportation routes, and inventory management.

While AI holds potential to revolutionize agriculture, it's important to address issues such as data privacy, algorithm bias, and accessibility to ensure equitable benefits for stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

Thoughts to consider

• What incentives are available and what more are needed to allow farmers to acquire and scale these technologies?
• What can be done to ensure that quality data is fed into AI models to make sure that unbiased and accurate predictions are made?
• What protections need to be in place to protect both data privacy and security with AI technologies?

Policy references

AFBF Policy #146 Artificial Intelligence

AFBF Policy #536 Proprietary Data  

Additional resources

AI’s Growing Role in Agriculture

US Senate Ag Committee’s Hearing on Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture