Technology and social pressures will always impact the agricultural landscape. Sometimes this is for the better, but often it throws up new challenges and obstacles that farmers need to adapt to. In 2024, farmers will never have more tools at their disposal thanks to technology. Nor has there ever been more access to information around issues such as climate change and sustainability.
Despite this, there’s a new wave of pressures and challenges that are currently facing the farming industry. Failing to adapt to things like artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and a demand for improved corporate social responsibility will likely put a strain on farmers’ bottom line, no matter where in the world they are based.
This article will explore three of the main challenges that are currently facing farming and agriculture professionals around the world.
Technology
Advancements in technology will impact every industry, and farming will be no different. Technology will impact farming more than most industries. Most of the current talk in the technology world is around the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) so it’s worth considering ways in which AI could impact the world of farming.
It’s expected that AI will be an important weapon in the world’s fight against climate change. However, using technology to more accurately predict the weather could have knock-on effects for farmers when it comes to growing crops.
Farmers’ lives would be much easier if they could predict the weather, but amazingly, AI-generated weather reports could make this a real possibility by using historical data to recognise data patterns.
While it sounds like an aid for farmers, which it may well be, the challenge lies in the training needed to use new, complex technology; not to mention the cost of implementing new technology into your business. A further challenge may arise when the technology gets to a point where it can replace roles within the farming industry.
Robotics have been used in manufacturing and agricultural spaces for many years now but still require a human brain to service them and direct them. Combining the arrival of AI technology with the efficiency of robotics could lead to a more effective alternative to human farmers. This may leave many people in the industry with the challenge of finding ways to adapt to ensure they can still add value to farming and agriculture.
Animal welfare
The rise in veganism perfectly highlights how attitudes towards animals are changing. Research suggests that 4% of Americans are vegetarians and 1% are vegans. While more people are declining animals as a dietary option, those who do eat meat also expect more concern for their welfare. 84% of people see animal welfare as an important factor when it comes to purchasing a product.
This has drastic consequences for farmers. In poverty-stricken countries in particular, education about animal welfare issues isn’t at a high standard. Similarly, these farmers may not have the budget to invest in the welfare of animals.
Consumers now expect animal welfare to be a top priority on farms. This includes not keeping too many animals so you can provide closer attention to each animal on your farm. Failure to adhere to these rising demands from consumers could result in a decline in sales for farmers who aren’t prepared to invest in animal welfare.
A great example of this is how UK supermarket, Sainsbury’s no longer sells eggs from battery hens. A move that would demand suppliers either adapt or lose business. Going forward, it wouldn’t be surprising to see retailers implement similar decisions around food sales which would further demand that farmers improve their consideration and commitment to animal welfare.
Sustainability
Consumers don’t just demand that farmers improve their care for animals, but also the planet. The issue of sustainability has put pressure on most industries to clean up supply chains and improve carbon footprints. A 2023 study found that 78% of US consumers value a sustainable lifestyle with consumers even prepared to pay more for sustainable options.
This attitude is passed on to farmers. Again, this is a tougher challenge for farmers in developing countries where education isn’t as common and resources aren’t as rich. For farmers in developed countries, consumers now demand they make changes such as reducing waste, promoting biodiversity, and using fertilisers with lower emissions.
Using local farmers, as opposed to shipping goods across the world, is another way companies can show more care for the planet which becomes a further challenge for farmers in developing countries that do business overseas.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a cotton farmer supplying materials for cushion covers or an animal farmer who supplies meat to local shops, it’s imperative to find ways to improve carbon footprints to keep up with the times and give the end consumer what they desire.