June 9, 2023 | Legal Planet |
The article discusses the concept of precision agriculture and its potential socio-environmental risks and inequalities. Precision agriculture involves using digital technologies like sensors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize farming practices. The idea is to apply the right amount of resources, such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, to each plant or animal, thereby reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
While some see precision agriculture as a solution to climate change and food security, the article presents a more nuanced perspective. The author, Oane Visser, an Associate Professor in Agrarian Studies, argues that precision agriculture is not as seamless as it's often portrayed. It relies on human action, and its effectiveness can be limited by changing environmental conditions and small datasets. Furthermore, the adoption of precision agriculture can create power dynamics that exploit farmers, as they may be held liable for issues arising from the technology.
Visser also points out a "precision divide" where certain crops and farming styles are favored over others by the algorithms, potentially reinforcing monocropping and leaving sustainable farming practices behind. Nevertheless, he sees opportunities for more equitable approaches to precision agriculture through farmer-led movements developing open-source technologies and innovative solutions. Ultimately, the article calls for careful consideration and transparency in implementing digital technologies in agriculture to avoid costly and harmful outcomes.