Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back to the deep Dive. Today, we're diving into
a topic that's really changing the world as we know it,
AI and agriculture.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
It's a pretty exciting area I have to say.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
Yeah. I mean when we think about the future of food,
you know, AI is right there at the forefront.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Yeah, it's not just some futuristic concept anymore. Right, It's
actually being used by farmers today.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Right, and it's solving some pretty major problems like increasing efficiency,
making farming more.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Sustainable exactly, and you know, addressing things like climate change.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
So where do we even begin with this topic? I mean,
it's pretty massive.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Well, a good place to start is with precision farming.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Okay, So precision farming, what is that all about?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
So imagine a farm where every decision is guided by data.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Okay, So instead of just relying on intuition or you know, traditional.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Methods, right, you're using data to optimize everything.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
So like how much water to use or when to plant.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Exactly, and even the type of fertilizer.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
So how does that actually work in practice?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Well, think about all the data that's being collected. Well,
you've got sensors in the soil monitoring moisture levels, Okay,
you've got drones flying overhead taking images of the crops.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Wow, so we're really talking about high tech farming here.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Oh yeah, and then you've got satellites beaming down weather data.
That's a lot of information, it is, and that's where
AI comes in to make sense of it all.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
These algorithms can analyze all that data and give farmers
actionable insights. So for example, for example, AI can tell
a farmer which areas of their field need more water
or less fertilizer.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
That's incredible. That level of precision must save a lot
of resources.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
It does. It helps conserve water, reduces runoff, protects the environment,
and of course saves farmers money.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
So it's a win win all around.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Yeah, and here's another thing. AI can predict crop yields.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Wait, so it can tell farmers how much they're going
to harvest before the crops are even fully grown exactly.
That's mind blowing it is.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
And it helps with planning.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Right, Oh yeah, for sure, farmers can plan better. And
it also helps with you know, supply and demand.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Right, So AI can actually help stabilize food prices.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
Now that's something we can all appreciate, right.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Fewer price fluctuations at the grocery store.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Okay, so we've talked about precision farming, but what about
the actual work on the farm, you know, the planting,
the harvesting.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Right, So that's where AI powered robots come in.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Robots on the farm. I mean, this is really starting
to sound like science.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Fiction, I know, but it's happening now. These robots are
being developed to take on some of those labor intensive tasks.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
So are we talking about like humanoid robots walking around
the fields.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Not quite. They're typically specialized machines designed for specific tasks.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Okay, so like what kind of tasks?
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Well, for example, there.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Are weeding robots, meeting robots.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
Yeah, they use computer vision to identify weeds and then
they remove them, so no.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
More backbreaking weeding by hand.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Well, it can certainly help, especially for farmers who are
struggling to find labor.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
And these robots can work around the clock exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
They're not limited by weather conditions or you know, the
need for breaks.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
So it really increases efficiency.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
It does, and it frees up human farmers to focus
on other things like managing pests and diseases or making
decisions about crop rotation.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
So it's not about replacing human farmers entirely.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
It's more about collaboration.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Right, using technology to make their jobs easier.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
And more efficient exactly. And you know there are some
pretty amazing stories out there. Oh yeah, like what Well,
I read about this farmer in California who used to
spend hours and hours weeding his fields. Now he has
a fleet of weeding robots and they take care of
it for him.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Yeah, and he can focus on other things.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
That's incredible. So these robots, they're actually out there working
on farms right now.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
It are, and they're getting more sophisticated all the time.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
So I'm curious about how these robots actually see the weeds.
How do they know what to remove?
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Well, they rely on really sophisticated algorithms.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
These algorithms can analyze images to detect subtle variations in
color and texture.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Wow, So they can spot a weed even if it's
you know, really tiny. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
They can actually identify problems like disease or pest infestations
long before a human could see them.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
That's amazing. It's like having a team of microscopic detectives
patrolling your crops.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
It is, and it's a game changer because it allows
for early intervention, right.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
So you can prevent widespread damage and maybe even reduce
the need for pesticides exactly. So we've talked about how
AI is impacting crop production, but what about livestock farming.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Oh yeah, AI is transforming that too.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
I'm really curious to hear about that.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
It's like every animal on the farm has its own
personal health tracker.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Okay, so how does that work.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Well, Sensors play a big role here.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Sensors attached to the animals, right.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Or sometimes integrated into their environment, you know, their stalls
or pens.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
And these sensors are tracking things like.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Vital signs, heart rate, body temperature, activity levels.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
So I vi acal's getting sick, the farmer will know
right away exactly.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
It's all about early detection.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
Which is crucial for preventing the spread.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Of disease exactly. And it can also reduce the need
for antibiotics.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
So it's good for the animals and it's good for
you know, reducing antibiotic resistance.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Right, It's a win win, and.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
I made this kind of monitoring also helps with you know,
making sure the animals are getting the right nutrition.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Absolutely, AI can analyze all that data on feeding patterns
and growth.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Rates to make sure each animal is thrighting.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Exactly, and that makes the whole operation more efficient and sustainable.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
So we've talked about precision farming and livestock farming, and
it seems like AI is really making a difference in
terms of sustainability.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
It is, it's helping address some of the biggest challenges
facing agriculture today, like climate change. Exactly, agriculture is a
major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but AI can help
mitigate that.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
So how does it do that well?
Speaker 2 (05:49):
For example, AI powered systems can optimize irrigation so using
less water right only the precise amount needed, which saves
water and energy.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
And what about other sustainable farming practices like a you know,
vertical farming.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Oh yeah, AI is playing a big role there too.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Vertical farming. I mean that sounds so futuristic. It is.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
It's basically growing crops in stacked layers and controlled environments.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
And AI helps manage those systems.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
It monitors and adjusts everything from lighting to temperature to humidity.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
To create the perfect growing conditions exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
And because it's so controlled, you can minimize resource use
and maximize yield.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
It's incredible. I mean, imagine skyscrapers filled with fresh produce.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
I know, it's pre mind blowing. And AI is also
being used in hydroponics hydrobotics, yeah, where you grow crops
in water without soil.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Okay, So again, AI is used to monitor and adjust.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
The nutrients exactly, and it uses way less water and
land compared to traditional farming.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
So it's really helping us address food security challenges, it is.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
But you know, with all this talk about technology and automation,
it's important to remember that human expertise is still essential.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
So it's not about robots taking over completely.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
No, it's about finding the right balance between technology and
human ingenuity.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
Right, because farmers have so much knowledge and experience.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
They do, and they'll need to adapt and acquire new
skills to work with these AI systems, but their expertise
is still invaluable.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Okay, So it's a collaboration. But of course, you know,
with any new technology there are always potential downsides.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Of course, we need to be mindful of the challenges.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
As well, So like what kind of challenges?
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Well, one concern is job displacement, right, because as these
AI systems get more sophisticated.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Some jobs might become automated.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Exactly, So we need to think about how to support
workers who might.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Be affected, maybe through training programs or something.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Right, helping them transition into new roles.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Okay, and what about other potential downsides well.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Another challenge is ensuring equitable access to these technologies.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
Because I imagine these AI systems can be quite expensive.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
They can be especially for smaller farms.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So we need to make sure that everyone benefits from
this technology, not just the big industrial farms exactly.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
And then there's the issue of data privacy.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Right with all this data being collected about farms, how
do we make sure it's being used responsibly?
Speaker 2 (08:07):
That's a crucial point. We need strong regulations and safeguards.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
In place to protect farmers data.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Absolutely. Transparency and accountability are key.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
So farmers need to understand how their data is being
used exactly. Okay. So it seems like there are a
lot of complex issues to consider as AI becomes more
integrated into agriculture.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
There are, but the potential benefits are enormous.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
It really does feel like we're on the cusp of
a major transformation in how we produce food.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
We are and AI has the power to make agriculture
more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
And that's something we all need we do.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
And this is just the beginning.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
I know it's exciting to think about what the future holds.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
It is, but before we get carried away with all
the possibilities, I think it's important to step back and
consider the broader implications of AI's role in shaping our
food system.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
That's a great point because ultimately it's not just about technology.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
It's about food exactly, how we grow it, how we
distribute it, and how we consume it. And as consumers,
we have a role to play in this too.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
So you're saying our choices actually matter.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
They do. Our demand influences what farmers grow and how
they grow it.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
So like if we buy more organic.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Produce exactly, or if we choose locally sourced food.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
That sends a signal to the market.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
It does, And as AI becomes more integrated, you know,
we need to be mindful of the potential impact on
the types of food we eat.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
So it's not just about quantity, it's about quality and variety.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Too, exactly. And you know, AI could actually be a
powerful tool for promoting biodiversity.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Oh really, how so?
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Well? Imagine using AI to analyze different regions. You know
there are climate, soil conditions, even cultural preferences, and then
you could identify a wider range of crops that could
thrive in those areas instead.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Of just focusing on a few high yield crops.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Right, we could diversify our food system, make it more
resilient and nutritious.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
That's a really interesting idea. And you know, as we
learn more about the environment, about ecosystem, AI could help.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Us design agricultural systems that work in harmony.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
With nature instead of trying to control it exactly. So
it's exciting to think about. But it also makes me
wonder how will all this technology change our relationship with food?
Speaker 2 (10:14):
That's a great question. You know, as technology takes on
more of the tasks traditionally associated with farming, will we
become even further removed from the sources of our food.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
That's a good point. Or could it have the opposite effect?
Maybe could AI actually help us reconnect with the land.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
It's possible. Imagine using AI to create you know, interactive
educational experiences, okay, where people could virtually visit farms, learn
about different crops, maybe even try their hand at virtual farming.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
That would be amazing, especially for people who live in cities,
you know.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Right, it could help bridge that gap between urban and
rural communities.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
And foster a greater appreciation for agriculture exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
And it's not just about education. AI could also personalize
our food experiences.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Okay, now you've really got my attention.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Imagine using AI to analyze your individual.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Needs, like my nutritional.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Needs exactly, your taste preferences, even your gut microbiome.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
And then it could recommend recipes, suggest locally grown foods
that are perfectly tailored to you.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
That's taking personalization to a whole new level.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
It is. It's like having a personal nutritionists and chef
all rolled into one.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
So it sounds like AI has the potential to not
just change how we grow food, but how we think
about it and how we experience it.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Absolutely, it's a powerful tool, but ultimately it's up to
us to decide how we use it.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Right to shape the future of food exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Do we use it to create a more efficient but
industrialized system.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Or do we use it to reconnect with nature, promote
biodiversity and you know, ensure a more just and sustainable
food system for everyone.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
That's the question we need to be asking ourselves.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
It's a big question, and this deep dive has really
been an eye opener, you know, from the practical applications
of AI on farms today to these bigger questions about
the future of food.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
It's been a fascinating journey, it.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Has, and I think we've only just scratched the surface
we have.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
There's so much more to explore.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
So to wrap things up, I want to leave our
listeners with this thought. As AI continues to shape the
future of agriculture, it's up to us to ensure that
it's used to create a food system that is not
only efficient and productive, but also just sustainable and nourishing
for all.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Well said, it's a call to action for all of.
Speaker 1 (12:25):
Us to engage in these conversations and make informed choices.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Exactly because the future of food is in our hands.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the
world of AI and agriculture.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
It's been a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Until next time, keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep learning.
Welcome back to the deep Dive. Today, we're diving into
a topic that's really changing the world as we know it,
AI and agriculture.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
It's a pretty exciting area I have to say.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
Yeah. I mean when we think about the future of food,
you know, AI is right there at the forefront.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Yeah, it's not just some futuristic concept anymore. Right, It's
actually being used by farmers today.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Right, and it's solving some pretty major problems like increasing efficiency,
making farming more.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Sustainable exactly, and you know, addressing things like climate change.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
So where do we even begin with this topic? I mean,
it's pretty massive.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Well, a good place to start is with precision farming.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Okay, So precision farming, what is that all about?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
So imagine a farm where every decision is guided by data.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Okay, So instead of just relying on intuition or you know, traditional.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Methods, right, you're using data to optimize everything.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
So like how much water to use or when to plant.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Exactly, and even the type of fertilizer.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
So how does that actually work in practice?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Well, think about all the data that's being collected. Well,
you've got sensors in the soil monitoring moisture levels, Okay,
you've got drones flying overhead taking images of the crops.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Wow, so we're really talking about high tech farming here.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Oh yeah, and then you've got satellites beaming down weather data.
That's a lot of information, it is, and that's where
AI comes in to make sense of it all.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
These algorithms can analyze all that data and give farmers
actionable insights. So for example, for example, AI can tell
a farmer which areas of their field need more water
or less fertilizer.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
That's incredible. That level of precision must save a lot
of resources.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
It does. It helps conserve water, reduces runoff, protects the environment,
and of course saves farmers money.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
So it's a win win all around.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Yeah, and here's another thing. AI can predict crop yields.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Wait, so it can tell farmers how much they're going
to harvest before the crops are even fully grown exactly.
That's mind blowing it is.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
And it helps with planning.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Right, Oh yeah, for sure, farmers can plan better. And
it also helps with you know, supply and demand.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Right, So AI can actually help stabilize food prices.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
Now that's something we can all appreciate, right.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Fewer price fluctuations at the grocery store.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Okay, so we've talked about precision farming, but what about
the actual work on the farm, you know, the planting,
the harvesting.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Right, So that's where AI powered robots come in.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Robots on the farm. I mean, this is really starting
to sound like science.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Fiction, I know, but it's happening now. These robots are
being developed to take on some of those labor intensive tasks.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
So are we talking about like humanoid robots walking around
the fields.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Not quite. They're typically specialized machines designed for specific tasks.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Okay, so like what kind of tasks?
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Well, for example, there.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Are weeding robots, meeting robots.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
Yeah, they use computer vision to identify weeds and then
they remove them, so no.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
More backbreaking weeding by hand.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Well, it can certainly help, especially for farmers who are
struggling to find labor.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
And these robots can work around the clock exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
They're not limited by weather conditions or you know, the
need for breaks.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
So it really increases efficiency.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
It does, and it frees up human farmers to focus
on other things like managing pests and diseases or making
decisions about crop rotation.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
So it's not about replacing human farmers entirely.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
It's more about collaboration.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Right, using technology to make their jobs easier.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
And more efficient exactly. And you know there are some
pretty amazing stories out there. Oh yeah, like what Well,
I read about this farmer in California who used to
spend hours and hours weeding his fields. Now he has
a fleet of weeding robots and they take care of
it for him.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Yeah, and he can focus on other things.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
That's incredible. So these robots, they're actually out there working
on farms right now.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
It are, and they're getting more sophisticated all the time.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
So I'm curious about how these robots actually see the weeds.
How do they know what to remove?
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Well, they rely on really sophisticated algorithms.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
These algorithms can analyze images to detect subtle variations in
color and texture.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Wow, So they can spot a weed even if it's
you know, really tiny. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
They can actually identify problems like disease or pest infestations
long before a human could see them.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
That's amazing. It's like having a team of microscopic detectives
patrolling your crops.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
It is, and it's a game changer because it allows
for early intervention, right.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
So you can prevent widespread damage and maybe even reduce
the need for pesticides exactly. So we've talked about how
AI is impacting crop production, but what about livestock farming.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Oh yeah, AI is transforming that too.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
I'm really curious to hear about that.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
It's like every animal on the farm has its own
personal health tracker.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Okay, so how does that work.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Well, Sensors play a big role here.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Sensors attached to the animals, right.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Or sometimes integrated into their environment, you know, their stalls
or pens.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
And these sensors are tracking things like.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Vital signs, heart rate, body temperature, activity levels.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
So I vi acal's getting sick, the farmer will know
right away exactly.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
It's all about early detection.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
Which is crucial for preventing the spread.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Of disease exactly. And it can also reduce the need
for antibiotics.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
So it's good for the animals and it's good for
you know, reducing antibiotic resistance.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Right, It's a win win, and.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
I made this kind of monitoring also helps with you know,
making sure the animals are getting the right nutrition.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Absolutely, AI can analyze all that data on feeding patterns
and growth.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Rates to make sure each animal is thrighting.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Exactly, and that makes the whole operation more efficient and sustainable.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
So we've talked about precision farming and livestock farming, and
it seems like AI is really making a difference in
terms of sustainability.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
It is, it's helping address some of the biggest challenges
facing agriculture today, like climate change. Exactly, agriculture is a
major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but AI can help
mitigate that.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
So how does it do that well?
Speaker 2 (05:49):
For example, AI powered systems can optimize irrigation so using
less water right only the precise amount needed, which saves
water and energy.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
And what about other sustainable farming practices like a you know,
vertical farming.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Oh yeah, AI is playing a big role there too.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Vertical farming. I mean that sounds so futuristic. It is.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
It's basically growing crops in stacked layers and controlled environments.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
And AI helps manage those systems.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
It monitors and adjusts everything from lighting to temperature to humidity.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
To create the perfect growing conditions exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
And because it's so controlled, you can minimize resource use
and maximize yield.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
It's incredible. I mean, imagine skyscrapers filled with fresh produce.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
I know, it's pre mind blowing. And AI is also
being used in hydroponics hydrobotics, yeah, where you grow crops
in water without soil.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Okay, So again, AI is used to monitor and adjust.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
The nutrients exactly, and it uses way less water and
land compared to traditional farming.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
So it's really helping us address food security challenges, it is.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
But you know, with all this talk about technology and automation,
it's important to remember that human expertise is still essential.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
So it's not about robots taking over completely.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
No, it's about finding the right balance between technology and
human ingenuity.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
Right, because farmers have so much knowledge and experience.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
They do, and they'll need to adapt and acquire new
skills to work with these AI systems, but their expertise
is still invaluable.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Okay, So it's a collaboration. But of course, you know,
with any new technology there are always potential downsides.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Of course, we need to be mindful of the challenges.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
As well, So like what kind of challenges?
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Well, one concern is job displacement, right, because as these
AI systems get more sophisticated.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Some jobs might become automated.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Exactly, So we need to think about how to support
workers who might.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Be affected, maybe through training programs or something.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Right, helping them transition into new roles.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Okay, and what about other potential downsides well.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Another challenge is ensuring equitable access to these technologies.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
Because I imagine these AI systems can be quite expensive.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
They can be especially for smaller farms.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So we need to make sure that everyone benefits from
this technology, not just the big industrial farms exactly.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
And then there's the issue of data privacy.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Right with all this data being collected about farms, how
do we make sure it's being used responsibly?
Speaker 2 (08:07):
That's a crucial point. We need strong regulations and safeguards.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
In place to protect farmers data.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Absolutely. Transparency and accountability are key.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
So farmers need to understand how their data is being
used exactly. Okay. So it seems like there are a
lot of complex issues to consider as AI becomes more
integrated into agriculture.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
There are, but the potential benefits are enormous.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
It really does feel like we're on the cusp of
a major transformation in how we produce food.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
We are and AI has the power to make agriculture
more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
And that's something we all need we do.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
And this is just the beginning.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
I know it's exciting to think about what the future holds.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
It is, but before we get carried away with all
the possibilities, I think it's important to step back and
consider the broader implications of AI's role in shaping our
food system.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
That's a great point because ultimately it's not just about technology.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
It's about food exactly, how we grow it, how we
distribute it, and how we consume it. And as consumers,
we have a role to play in this too.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
So you're saying our choices actually matter.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
They do. Our demand influences what farmers grow and how
they grow it.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
So like if we buy more organic.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Produce exactly, or if we choose locally sourced food.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
That sends a signal to the market.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
It does, And as AI becomes more integrated, you know,
we need to be mindful of the potential impact on
the types of food we eat.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
So it's not just about quantity, it's about quality and variety.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Too, exactly. And you know, AI could actually be a
powerful tool for promoting biodiversity.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Oh really, how so?
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Well? Imagine using AI to analyze different regions. You know
there are climate, soil conditions, even cultural preferences, and then
you could identify a wider range of crops that could
thrive in those areas instead.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Of just focusing on a few high yield crops.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Right, we could diversify our food system, make it more
resilient and nutritious.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
That's a really interesting idea. And you know, as we
learn more about the environment, about ecosystem, AI could help.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Us design agricultural systems that work in harmony.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
With nature instead of trying to control it exactly. So
it's exciting to think about. But it also makes me
wonder how will all this technology change our relationship with food?
Speaker 2 (10:14):
That's a great question. You know, as technology takes on
more of the tasks traditionally associated with farming, will we
become even further removed from the sources of our food.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
That's a good point. Or could it have the opposite effect?
Maybe could AI actually help us reconnect with the land.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
It's possible. Imagine using AI to create you know, interactive
educational experiences, okay, where people could virtually visit farms, learn
about different crops, maybe even try their hand at virtual farming.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
That would be amazing, especially for people who live in cities,
you know.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Right, it could help bridge that gap between urban and
rural communities.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
And foster a greater appreciation for agriculture exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
And it's not just about education. AI could also personalize
our food experiences.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Okay, now you've really got my attention.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Imagine using AI to analyze your individual.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Needs, like my nutritional.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Needs exactly, your taste preferences, even your gut microbiome.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
And then it could recommend recipes, suggest locally grown foods
that are perfectly tailored to you.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
That's taking personalization to a whole new level.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
It is. It's like having a personal nutritionists and chef
all rolled into one.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
So it sounds like AI has the potential to not
just change how we grow food, but how we think
about it and how we experience it.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Absolutely, it's a powerful tool, but ultimately it's up to
us to decide how we use it.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Right to shape the future of food exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Do we use it to create a more efficient but
industrialized system.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Or do we use it to reconnect with nature, promote
biodiversity and you know, ensure a more just and sustainable
food system for everyone.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
That's the question we need to be asking ourselves.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
It's a big question, and this deep dive has really
been an eye opener, you know, from the practical applications
of AI on farms today to these bigger questions about
the future of food.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
It's been a fascinating journey, it.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Has, and I think we've only just scratched the surface
we have.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
There's so much more to explore.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
So to wrap things up, I want to leave our
listeners with this thought. As AI continues to shape the
future of agriculture, it's up to us to ensure that
it's used to create a food system that is not
only efficient and productive, but also just sustainable and nourishing
for all.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Well said, it's a call to action for all of.
Speaker 1 (12:25):
Us to engage in these conversations and make informed choices.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Exactly because the future of food is in our hands.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the
world of AI and agriculture.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
It's been a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Until next time, keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep learning.
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