In the heart of Brussels, Jorge Freddy Milian Gómez, a researcher at the Centre for Economic Law and Governance within the Faculty of Law and Criminology at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, is delving into the complex interplay between digital agriculture, ethics, and the right to food. His recent study, published in Discover Agriculture, explores how modern agricultural practices impact environmental sustainability and the ethical-legal dilemmas that arise from the digital revolution in farming.
Agriculture stands at a crossroads, both contributing to and mitigating climate change. On one hand, it can enhance carbon sequestration through sustainable practices. On the other, it remains a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Milian Gómez’s research sheds light on this dual role, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that leverages technology while safeguarding human rights.
Digital agriculture, with its promise of optimized resource use and improved productivity, could be a game-changer in the agroecological transition. However, it’s not without its challenges. “The potential of digital agriculture to drive agroecological transitions is immense,” Milian Gómez notes, “but we must also address the ethical concerns regarding data ownership, technological dependency, and the exclusion of small-scale farmers.”
The study highlights the environmental toll of intensive agriculture, which contributes to soil degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. It advocates for an alternative model: local and solidarity-based digital agriculture. This approach aligns digital innovation with agroecological practices and human rights principles, empowering small-scale farmers and enhancing food sovereignty.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. As agriculture becomes more digital, it will increasingly rely on energy for powering sensors, drones, and data analysis. This could drive demand for renewable energy sources, creating new opportunities for energy providers. Moreover, the agroecological transition could reduce the sector’s carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Milian Gómez’s research also raises important questions about the future of farming. How can we ensure that the benefits of digital agriculture are equitably distributed? How can we protect the rights of small-scale farmers in an increasingly digital world? These are the questions that will shape the future of agriculture and the energy sector.
As we stand on the brink of an agroecological transition, Milian Gómez’s work serves as a reminder that technology is not a panacea. It must be integrated thoughtfully, with a keen eye on ethics and human rights. The future of agriculture, and indeed the future of our food system, depends on it. The study was published in Discover Agriculture, translated from Dutch as Discover Agriculture.