10 Essential AgTech Trends That Will Reshape Farming in 2019

10 Essential Trends That Will Reshape AgTech in 2019

AgTech is still a maturing industry of technologies in the agriculture sector. A series of trends are gaining traction in 2019, many of which have been underway in the previous years.

The AgTech trends mostly involve synthetic biology, millennial farming, and farming software, among others.

The following are trends to watch out for in 2019;

1. Millennial-driven Changes in Farming Technology

It’s expected that 35 percent of the US labor force will consist of millennials by 2020. That’s people within the ages of 23 and 38.

Millennials have a different work-life balance compared to older generations. They’re also partial to innovative technology and dependence.

More students are graduating from university and college with degrees, globally. It means younger people are now taking to agriculture. Farming millennials develop innovative tech and improve the existing ones to meet new challenges.

A perfect example includes the agricultural robot. The robot manages production and collects field data.

Millennials will bring connectivity within AgTech. These will feature IoT devices and RFID sensors to improve information sharing.

2. Genetic Modification and Cultured Meats

CRISPR technology is an essential tool in biogenetics. It’s used to develop high-yielding breeds that can resist adversity.

Some startups are planning to bring their cultured meat offerings to market soon this year. Cultured meat is a critical step towards food security.

Lab-made meat is also an effective way of avoiding animal rights issues with activists.

3. Precision AG Technology

Hexa Reports show that precision ag will gross $43.4 billion by 2024. Precision ag software includes sensors, UAV drones, GPS, and autonomous vehicles. The hardware consists of robotics, sensors, and drones.

The acreage and number of farms within the US are reducing since 2000. Precision AG revamps farm operations by using simple and affordable technology. Precision AG technology optimizes agricultural production and output.

AgTech innovators are now targeting small farm operations more. Their oversight is less strict, and there's enormous potential for growth.

4. Pivot Bio PROVEN

The microbial product aids in the active fixation of nitrogen in corn. It ensures steady and sure growth and development between the V6 and R4 stages.

Pivot Bio PROVEN fixes nitrogen from the air directly to the corn roots. The solution is first-generation, and it changes corn side-dressing.

The product is an excellent option for avoiding nitrogen passes on the farm. The product is available for direct sale to farmers in the US.

5. Blockchain AgTech

Blockchain technology is making it easier to track food production and sales and marketing. This is evident in the creation of digital passports for agricultural products. It’s a critical step towards giving farmers global bargaining power.

Blockchain links farmers and buyers in a broader market. They can also analyze past transactions and set target prices for their products. Blockchain technology also includes a system for instant and secure payments.

Startups like Grain Discovery, AgriDigital, and GrainChain are testing the sustainability of the tech in agriculture.

6. Hydroponics

Hydroponics is growing crops using only soluble mineral nutrients. Sustainable innovation uses solar energy and doesn’t require land.

Hydroponic technology is energy-saving, and it integrates freshwater and electricity production.

The Australia-based startup, Sundrop, can set up seawater greenhouses for vegetable production anywhere in the world.

7. Telesense

The founders are Nick Garner, Naeem Zafar, and George Zafiropoulos.

The Telesense sensor applies IoT tech to gauge the conditions of grain in storage. The co-founders are looking to employ artificial intelligence to facilitate the grain processes.

Farmers will know when to sell, store, disinfect, and mix the grain. Such predictive analytics is the result of the sensors collecting the relevant data.

The sensor prices are reducing, and Telesense will soon spread to other ag sectors.

8. 3D Printing Technology in Food Production

Experts are testing additive manufacturing in the food production industry. They’re looking to exchange base ingredients with hydrocolloids and renewables. The renewables include grass or algae.

Some 3D printing researchers have printed edible foods like carrots and shortbread cookies. Grocery stores may not have shelves, but 3D printers in the future. The essential AgTech development will minimize storage and transportation expenses.

Researchers are currently looking to substitute animal meat with algae additives. Others are developing meat in the lab from animal proteins.

9. Food Sharing and Crowdfarming

The technology will help communities to prevent the wastage of food. Food sharing applies the same concept as house and ride sharing.

Food sharing connects neighboring communities to local shops that share food surplus. Food sharing is a sustainable alternative to discarding food. A social entrepreneurship venture has developed an app for the same purposes called Olio.

Crowdfarming offers a sustainable solution to communities that overproduce. The concept allows for the connection between production and consumption. For example, the farm owner has the land and crop a farmer is cultivating.

10. Vertical Farming

Vertical farming allows farmers to cultivate crops where land is unavailable or unsuitable. The AgTech uses soil or hydroponics to grow food in stacked layers.

Vertical farming requires less water, pesticides, and growth supplements. This saves costs significantly and boosts productivity. It closely relates to urban farming.

Vertical farms have the potential to yield 390 times more with proper management. The locally produced food is usually safe and contains essential nutrients.

The government has recently been pushing tax initiatives to support vertical farming. The AgTech is also attracting attention from investors like Amazons’ Jeff Bezos and SoftBank Vision Fund.

Vertical farming operations require a lot of electricity.

Other AgTech advances in 2019 include drone technology, AI-powered chatbots, and data-driven farming, among others. Most of the AgTech trends are strategic applications of information and communication technologies.

About 80 percent more AgTech startups are developing since 2012.

Wrap-up

Many of the AgTech trends we've talked about are delivering on their promises of sustainability. They're cost-effective and apply to the relevant farm operations. These factors are essential to activities in the food and agriculture industries.

You should stay informed to achieve better results in your farming operations.

For more AgTech insights and information, please explore the other sections of our blog.