Title: AI technology helping farmers combat climate change
Jeremy Bunch, the CEO of US flour firm Shepherd’s Grain, is turning to artificial intelligence to help his farmers make better decisions in the face of climate change. With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, Bunch recognizes the need for a backup plan and is utilizing AI-powered software called ClimateAi to provide accurate and locally-tailored weather forecasts for his farmers.
ClimateAi uses current and past data, along with future projections, to advise farmers on when to plant and harvest crops, as well as predict yields. This technology is crucial for Shepherd’s Grain as they navigate the challenges posed by climate change on their wheat crops.
In Tanzania, agricultural scientist David Guerena is leading a project called Artemis, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which uses AI to breed more resilient crops. By speeding up the process of phenotyping, the visual study of new crop varieties, Guerena and his team are able to develop new crop varieties in a fraction of the time it traditionally takes.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, agri-tech firm Avalo is using AI to study crop genetics and create climate-resilient crops. By analyzing genomic data, Avalo has developed a broccoli variety that matures in just 37 days, significantly faster than standard varieties. They are also working on making rice resistant to frost and potatoes more tolerant to drought.
While AI technology holds great promise in helping farmers combat the effects of climate change on agriculture, there are challenges to overcome. Kate E Jones, a professor of ecology and biodiversity at University College London, emphasizes the importance of addressing issues such as data quality and technology accessibility to ensure the effectiveness of AI in sustainable and resilient agriculture.
As the global population continues to grow, the use of AI in agriculture will be crucial in developing new crop varieties that can withstand the challenges of climate change and ensure food security for future generations.
