What Are the Top Trends in Sustainable Agriculture for 2021?

February 15, 2021

There are a lot of changes that are taking place in countless industries and this includes agriculture. Now more than ever, people are focused on making the world a greener place. Therefore, it is incumbent on everyone in the agriculture industry to find ways to make their practices more sustainable. There are a few trends that are rising to the surface that focus on sustainability.

The Application of Artificial Intelligence

One of the biggest trends taking place in agriculture has been the development of artificial intelligence. When people think about artificial intelligence, they often think about the internet, computers, and video games; however, AI technology has a role to play in agriculture as well. Many farmers have started embedding sensors and their fields to collect data on their crops. Then, they can use this data the monitor for the development of diseases, changes in soil quality, and even weather risks. This allows farmers to use their resources more intelligently, reducing waste.

The Growth of Blockchain Technology

When most people hear about blockchain technology, they often think about Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Blockchain technology is also becoming more common in the world of agriculture. Blockchain technology can provide comprehensive, end-to-end solutions, allowing Farmers to monitor the entire supply chain from start to finish. This reduces food waste, ensuring the deliveries arrive at their destination with the same quality they left the farm. Blockchain technology is making farm to table (and grocery store) deliveries more efficient.

The Development of Climate-Smart Agriculture

Farmers are already feeling the sting of global warming. As a result, the risk of crop yields, fisheries, and livestock raising is going up. One of the biggest challenges is to achieve sustainable agricultural development in the midst of the climate crisis. Now, farmers and breeders are climate-smart crops, which are able to withstand the stress of climate change. These climate-smart crops reduce the risk of crop failure due to climate change. One specific example of a climate-smart crop is the castor oil plant, which is providing farmers with a higher yield. More seeds will be developed in the future for the specific purpose of withstanding climate change.

The Future of Agriculture

These are just a few of the many trends that are taking place in the agriculture sector. It is important for farmers to focus on sustainability, as this is better for their overhead expenses, the consumers, and the planet as a whole. It will be interesting to see how sustainability continues to evolve in the coming years.