The AI revolution is sweeping through various industries, and agriculture is no exception. However, farmers are approaching this technological shift with caution, as they seek tangible benefits before embracing new technologies. This was a key discussion point at the recent World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in Mexico City.
According to Bayer’s Farmers Voice survey, conducted in 2024 with over 2,000 farmers, while 62% of farmers expressed interest in learning more about AI, only 6% currently possess a deep understanding of the technology. The survey also revealed that improving yields, reducing input costs, and enhancing quality are the top three drivers for digital adoption among farmers, with 88%, 85%, and 84% respectively citing these as primary motivations.
One of the significant hurdles in the adoption of AI and agtech solutions is the inconsistency in gathering and reporting agricultural data. Aidan Connolly, president of Agritech Capital, highlighted this issue during the panel discussion. He explained that AI relies on standardized data to make accurate predictions. “We have to be honest and say one of the reasons why agriculture has been so slow to adopt technology is because the databases are not very good, and they are all over the place,” Connolly stated. He further elaborated that the lack of uniform and easily accessible data makes it challenging for AI to make informed decisions.
Connolly also acknowledged that while many farmers are open to new ways of working, some need convincing that these new methods are superior to their current practices. He shared an anecdote about a farmer who preferred a notepad over an iPad, citing its reliability and durability.
The panel also touched on the need for agtech solutions to demonstrate a clear return on investment (ROI). Connolly noted that farmers have been cautious due to past experiences with biologicals and robotics that did not meet expectations. “If something really can make a farm more profitable, I have no doubt it will be accepted — AI included — very quickly,” he said. He also criticized the agtech industry for sometimes prioritizing innovation over practical benefits, stating, “What we failed to do, unfortunately, in agtech in general, we brought too many things [that] were still being proven that maybe want to win a Nobel Prize more than to make somebody money.”
Johanna Ballesteros, LATAM business development manager for Swarm Engineering, suggested that farmers can now more easily calculate the benefits of technology through ROI calculations. She recommended that any new agtech implementation should be driven by an express ROI calculation to ensure its viability and benefits.
The discussions at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit underscored the need for the agtech industry to address these challenges and demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI and other technologies to farmers. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the adoption of AI and other digital solutions will likely play a crucial role in improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. However, this adoption will depend on the industry’s ability to provide clear, consistent, and compelling evidence of their value to farmers.