The world is facing a stark reality: a food crisis that is often overlooked due to the everyday familiarity of food. David Lee, founder of Inevitable Tech, warns that our tendency to avoid confronting this truth is hindering our ability to address the challenges head-on. With 343 million people worldwide experiencing acute hunger, and a global population that continues to grow rapidly, the need for innovative solutions in agriculture and food production has never been more urgent. The environmental impact of food production, particularly animal agriculture, adds another layer of complexity to the crisis, with estimates suggesting it accounts for 12-20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation in agritech is emerging as a beacon of hope in this challenging landscape. Companies like Inevitable Tech are at the forefront of developing advanced technologies to revolutionise food production, distribution, and sustainability. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already proving to be a game-changer, enabling smarter farming practices that improve plant health, optimise crop yields, and reduce waste. Giacomo Fanin, Managing Partner at Grey Silo Ventures, highlights the importance of investing in these technological advancements. “If, ten years from now, we want a situation where there is product availability at affordable prices, we need to focus on new technology, new ingredients and supporting farmers,” he says.
One standout example is Xfarm Technologies, an agritech company invested in by Grey Silo Ventures. Their AI-enabled ‘digital farmer’s toolbox’ provides farmers with advanced analytics to make informed decisions on everything from fertiliser use to water management and harvesting. This precision agriculture approach is not only enhancing environmental and economic resilience but also democratising access to sophisticated tools like predictive models.
Beyond AI, the field of biotechnology is also transforming food production. Roslin Technologies, for instance, is addressing the global demand for protein by developing cultivated meat – real meat grown directly from animal cells. This innovative approach promises to reduce the environmental impact of meat production, lower antibiotic use, and eradicate animal welfare issues. CEO Ernst van Orsouw envisions a future where cultivated meat is as commonplace as plant-based alternatives, with a vision of shorter, more distributed supply chains and a wider variety of sustainably produced protein products.
Another groundbreaking technology is CRISPR, which allows scientists to edit genes without introducing foreign DNA. Tropic Biosciences, backed by Five Seasons Ventures, is using this technology to improve the quality and disease resistance of tropical crops by switching off specific genes. This genetic editing holds immense potential for enhancing crop yields and resilience in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges.
The implications of these technological advancements are far-reaching. AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data is set to revolutionise our understanding of human nutrition, from seed selection to cooking methods. Ashok Vasudevan of the Center for the Spread of Affordable Wellness (C-SAW) believes that AI will change the face of nutrition science, contributing to major changes across the entire food supply chain.
As the global population continues to grow, the need for sustainable and efficient food production becomes ever more critical. The innovations in agritech and biotechnology offer a glimmer of hope, providing tools and technologies that can address the pressing challenges of food security, environmental sustainability, and nutritional health. By embracing these advancements, we can strive towards a future where food is not only abundant and affordable but also produced in a way that respects the environment and supports the well-being of all.
