Agribusiness Dynamics: Navigating the Green Revolution in Modern Farming

BOISE, ID — The demand for sustainably sourced and produced goods is significantly impacting agribusiness. The materials for textiles and food products are increasingly expected to be gleaned from green practices. This call for transparency in farming processes can be daunting if you are in the business of agriculture. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to continue your commitment to public health and safety through the growth of your products.

Strategic Investments for the Green Farming Revolution

It’s worth mentioning that farming is already grueling and time-consuming. To avoid burnout as a farmer, employ a little strategy. Preparing beforehand to handle agricultural and societal changes will help you keep up with the demand for sustainability — without losing the integrity of your farm. Learn how to make some strategic investments and partner with stakeholders to come up with viable solutions for the future.

Aligning Intentions

True sustainability in agriculture starts with collaboration. Alignment issues in agri-food system transitions can derail green initiatives quickly. When stakeholders disagree on how to make changes, there is a lesser chance of your agribusiness successfully transitioning to a greener model. Instead of waiting for these obstacles, you can communicate with stakeholders and land on the same page.

Some of the interests you should discuss include:

Antibiotics and agrochemicals;
Biodiversity;
Emissions;
Farmer well-being and livelihood;
Farmer-society integration;
International trade;
Plant-based diets;
Public health;
Regulations;
Renewable energy;
Soil;
Waste;
Water quality and availability.

Sometimes, people and organizations have different definitions of sustainability. To keep your green revolution goals on track, you must dig into detailed aspects of your current farming process. Figure out what methods can be more sustainable, such as your use of chemicals. The stakeholders you discuss this with will vary depending on your particular supply chain model. Some examples include agricultural service suppliers, grain buyers, retailers, and government organizations.

When discussing your intentions for a greener agribusiness, clearly define the direction and ambition of your statements. In other words, let stakeholders know your end goal and the rate at which you expect or wish to reach milestones toward that goal. When broaching the topic of plant-based diets, for example, you must be in alignment with retailers and buyers to accurately forecast demand and avoid overproduction and waste. If you have divergent views that affect the trajectory in which you wish to see your agribusiness grow, you may want to reevaluate partnerships.

Advanced Agritech

The agricultural equipment and technology you employ on your farm play a large part in the sustainability of your processes. To touch on the aforementioned strategic alignment, you want to ensure that the agritech you invest in and use day-to-day aligns with your overarching sustainability goals. By leveraging cutting-edge tech, you can optimize resource use, bolster production to meet demands and reduce your environmental impact.

Precision agriculture, for example, allows for the proper distribution of chemicals and applications to crops. This not only reduces the amount of waste, it can also speed up production and result in higher-quality yield. Further, less amounts of these harmful chemicals will leach into groundwater.

Machine learning can be applied to site-specific crop management in this way. Artificial intelligence (AI) can use records of past conditions to determine necessary applications of pesticides and such in real time. Information is gleaned through drones, satellites, and ground-based sensors. Information collected typically includes soil quality, moisture levels, crop health, and pest infestations.

This information can then be applied to the various agritech solutions across separate crop fields that need variable applications. This optimizes crop management where previously blanket applications were conducted across entire fields. Decreasing chemical runoff also contributes to a cleaner water initiative. Predictive modeling can also allow more informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting.

If your particular agribusiness does not require a completely manual operation, you can employ agritech like autonomous tractors and robotic harvesters. These machines speed up farming tasks and can automatically optimize fuel consumption, reducing your farm’s carbon footprint while yielding more product.

Sustainable Farming Practices

Vertical farming and hydroponic systems can also contribute to controlled environments and minimize water usage. This can allow year-round production, as well, or production in adverse conditions or previously unsustainable geographical locations.

Whichever agritech you choose to invest in, sustainability relies on effective equipment management. Keeping tabs on the status of your equipment, such as large tractors and smart greenhouses, can prevent accidents, reduce waste, and extend the lifespan of these hefty investment pieces. To properly manage agribusiness equipment, consider:

Disposing of disused or broken equipment responsibly;
Monitoring fuel efficiency;
Performing routine, preventative maintenance;
Staying compliant with regulations;
Using telematics to optimize performance.

Again, your definition of sustainability should align with that of your stakeholders. Focus on your agreed-upon goals and measurable milestones when deciding how to invest in equipment. Use records from smart equipment to showcase your efforts and tangible results toward these goals.

One topic where your opinions could differ is the use of phosphorus. Stakeholders debate over the sustainability of phosphorus use in farming. While it is a naturally occurring substance used in a variety of industries, the organophosphorus pesticides used in agriculture contribute to water quality issues such as oxygen-free “dead zones.” Before using these chemicals, consult with stakeholders to find an agreeable solution.

You can also consider farming with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Gene editing can potentially allow the development of hardier crops resistant to disease, pests, and adverse weather conditions. This can reduce your use of harmful chemicals and promote sustainable agricultural practices. It does, however, depend on your target market and consumer demand.

Consumer Research

Conducting consumer research is a crucial step when transitioning to a more sustainable business model in farming or agribusiness. Understanding consumer preferences and expectations is essential for aligning your sustainable practices with market demands, ultimately ensuring the success of your efforts.

Surveys, focus groups, and online forums can bolster your understanding of the current discourse surrounding sustainably sourced produce and product materials. In your research, identify and keep track of the green factors that matter most to consumers, such as organic farming, reduced pesticide use, or locally sourced materials. Take note of any gaps in the agricultural market that you could fill. If you periodically conduct market research like this, you can then use this information to guide your sustainability efforts going forward.

Moving Forward: Sustainably in Agribusiness

Transparency is key when communicating your commitment to agricultural sustainability. Clearly convey your initiatives and their positive impacts on the environment, community, and health. Share stories about your farm’s green journey, providing consumers with a sense of connection to the products they purchase. By listening to consumers, tailoring your sustainable practices to their desires, and effectively communicating your efforts, you can create a strong and loyal customer base that supports your transition to a more sustainable business model in agriculture. This not only benefits your bottom line but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural sector as a whole.

By adopting a holistic and forward-thinking approach to sustainability, you can collaborate with stakeholders to figure out the best solution for your unique situation. How agriculture affects society will change as the years go on, but it will always remain a huge determining factor in public wellness. Continue to do your due diligence now and in the future, and your sustainability efforts will contribute to the overall health of the public and the modern agricultural landscape.

– Indiana Lee