The agricultural sector is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven by global impacts from climate change, demographic and migratory flows, and uneven economic growth. In this context, digitization can help the agricultural sector to increase crop yields while contributing to the fight against climate change. Although the farmer remains at the heart of agricultural data collection, he is sometimes unable to access and manage it easily. In addition, new actors that are raising power asymmetries are entering this digital market, such as the suppliers of inputs and machinery for agriculture, and large software or industrial companies.

The digital age has presented exponential growth in the amount of data available to individuals looking to draw conclusions based on given or collected information across industries. This is evident in the environmental and agricultural industries as well. In order to successfully plan preventive measures and solve current environmental problems, efficient and effective information processing of a wide range of environmental data is needed.

Digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) techniques offer new opportunities for agriculture. These technologies involve data sharing, homogenization, editability, re-programmability, and distribution, meaning that no single actor owns the ownership of the digital platform. A key element in creating value with the use of these technologies is data. 

Learning Objectives

a. Interpret the changes that is happening in agricultural sector.

b. Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of latest technologies in agriculture with respect to farmers.