New skills needed to harness benefits of farm technology

More must be done to support the growing role of artificial intelligence, technology and automation in agriculture, says a survey.

Almost nine out of ten respondents (86%) believe innovation will play a significant role in improving farm management. But it comes with little surprise that finding skilled labour could be hindering progress.

The survey was carried out by the Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM) to assess attitudes towards technology and artificial intelligence ahead of the organisation’s annual conference in November.

Labour challenge

Some 90% of those surveyed believe automation and AI are major opportunities for agriculture. But labour availability is a challenge, with 89% of respondents saying it affects full-time workers and 70% saying it affects part-time workers.

Upskilling agricultural labour is a key consideration for the future. Some 55% of respondents believe technical skills are the most important, with 47% highlighting digital literacy and 37% prioritising health and safety knowledge.

IAgrM director Victoria Bywater said: “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.

‘True benefits’

“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.”

Due to take place in London on 7 November, the one-day IAgrM conference will feature speakers across the forefront of technology and management. They will include John Shropshire, chairman of the G’s Fresh group of companies.

Other speakers include Máximo Torero, chief economist at the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation; and Jack Bobo, the centre lead and director of food systems institute at Nottingham University.

For full conference details, please visit www.iagrm.com