More must be done to support the growing role of technology and automation in agriculture, according to 83% of respondents of a recent survey.
The survey, carried out by the Institute of Agricultural Mangagement (IAgrM), also revealed that 90%believe automation and artifical intellgience (AI) are a major opportunity for the farming sector.
86% believe technology and innovation will play a significant role in improving farm management.
However, IAgrM said it comes with no real surprise that finding skilled labour could be hindering progress.
Labour availability is a considerable problem, with 89% of respondents saying it affects full-time workers and 70% saying that it impacts part-time workers.
Upskilling agricultural labour is a key consideration for the future, with 55% believing technical skills are the most important, 47% saying digital literacy and 37% prioritising health and safety knowledge.
‘AI is here to stay’
IAgrM director, Victoria Bywater, said these svurvey results reflect a wider change in attitudes across technology.
“It looks like AI is here to stay and we’re starting to see more practical applications reaching farms, whether it’s targeted crop nutrition, precision pesticide application or weather forecasting,” she said.
“But these findings make it clear we need to support the workforce to realise technology’s true benefits, like increased efficiency and decision-making ability, which will be key themes at this year’s conference.”
At the IAgrM conference on November 7, speakers across the forefront of technology and management are set to feature.
These include chief economist at the FAO of the UN, Máximo Torero; the centre lead and director of food systems institute at Nottingham University, Jack Bobo; and the chair of the G’s Fresh group of companies, John Shropshire.
