The agriculture industry has not fully embraced the potential of digital technologies like other sectors have. However, there is hope on the horizon as innovators explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can combat waste and maintain freshness in the supply chain.
At a major agrifood conference in Perth, American food systems entrepreneur Abi Ramanan discussed how she has utilized technology to digitize food supply chains and tackle waste. By applying AI, food companies can access valuable information about the freshness, ripeness, and tenderness of their products. Ramanan and her team even used hyperspectral imaging, akin to fingerprint technology, to prevent waste and food fraud.
Using cameras and AI algorithms, they scanned avocados on a production line to determine their ripeness and suitability for longer journeys. This method allowed them to gain insights about 100% of the fruit instead of relying on sample-based testing. Similar technology was also employed in a commercial fish market in Spain to detect the substitution of higher-quality snapper with inferior fish.
While AI has immense potential to transform the food systems landscape, Ramanan acknowledges the challenges it faces. Integration within the supply chain and finding funding sources are obstacles that need to be overcome. The food industry operates on low margins, making it difficult to allocate budgets for such technologies.
Events like the evokeAG conference aim to bring together global thought leaders and innovators to discuss AI-driven innovations in the agriculture industry. By sharing experiences from around the world, participants can stay informed about the latest advancements and opportunities in the field.
As the agricultural sector looks to the future, it is crucial to leverage AI to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure the freshest produce reaches consumers. With continued investment in digital technologies, the industry can create a more sustainable and reliable food supply chain for generations to come.
FAQ Section: Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
1. What is the potential of digital technologies in the agriculture industry?
Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), have significant potential to transform the agriculture industry by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring fresh produce reaches consumers.
2. How can AI help digitize food supply chains?
By applying AI, food companies can access valuable information about the freshness, ripeness, and tenderness of their products. This enables them to make better decisions regarding logistics and quality control.
3. What is hyperspectral imaging and how is it used in agriculture?
Hyperspectral imaging, similar to fingerprint technology, is used to prevent waste and food fraud. In the article, avocados were scanned using cameras and AI algorithms to determine their ripeness and suitability for longer journeys. This method offers insights into the entire fruit population instead of relying on sample-based testing.
4. How was AI used to detect fish substitution?
Similar technology to the avocado scanning was used in a commercial fish market in Spain to detect the substitution of higher-quality snapper with inferior fish. This demonstrates the potential of AI in preventing fraud and maintaining product quality.
5. What are the challenges faced by AI adoption in the agriculture industry?
One of the main challenges is integration within the supply chain. Additionally, finding funding sources can be difficult since the food industry operates on low margins, making it challenging to allocate budgets for new technologies.
6. Are there any events for discussing AI-driven innovations in the agriculture industry?
Yes, events like the evokeAG conference bring together thought leaders and innovators from around the world to discuss AI-driven innovations in the agriculture industry. These conferences provide a platform for sharing experiences and staying informed about the latest advancements and opportunities.
Key Terms and Jargon Definitions:
– Digital Technologies: Refers to technologies that utilize digital information for various purposes, including data analysis and automation.
– Artificial Intelligence (AI): Branch of computer science that aims to create intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that traditionally require human intelligence.
– Hyperspectral Imaging: Technique that captures and analyzes a wide spectrum of light, providing detailed information about the chemical composition and physical properties of objects.
– Supply Chain: Sequence of activities involved in the production, processing, and delivery of a product to the end consumer.
– Waste: Refers to the inefficient use or loss of resources, such as food products, in the agricultural and food industries.
– Food Fraud: The deliberate misrepresentation of food products for economic gain, including the substitution of inferior ingredients or mislabeling of products.
Suggested Related Links:
– evokeAG (Official website of the evokeAG conference mentioned in the article)
– BBC Food (General food-related information and news)
The source of the article is from the blog enp.gr