Agriculture technology has been at the forefront of innovation and tech media for quite some time now. This was always expected as the concept of AgTech has a lot to bring to the table due to many reasons. First of all, it has the potential to solve major upcoming issues such as shortage of land for farming, the increasing demand for more food resources due to an expanding population, plant-based and animal-based diseases that hinder the growth of the agriculture sector and more. However, will AgTech manage to keep the momentum going? As with any industry that experiences tremendous progress, there will be friction whether it comes in a form of “regulation” from the government or the ignorance and skepticism of the market itself. We will dive deep into the foundational ideas that could shape the future of AgTech and its impact on livestock and crops. Stay tuned.

The Government and Its Perspective on AgTech For Animal and Plant Health

Challenge Advisory has helped hundreds of innovative startups make tremendous progress in terms of developing their AgTech solutions for modifying plant DNA. We have worked with promising companies who are working hard to find answers and present solutions for preventing disease and its negative impact on produce. According to our research statistics, a shocking 40% of global crops are lost due to disease, that is why we have felt, that as global leaders in agriculture technology, we must take initiative. The biggest course of action that will make the most impact will be helping motivated tech startups raise capital to fund their development of technology that could guard crops against being exposed to viruses. However, even with all the progress, we have managed to make, the European Court of Justice has stunned young AgTech entrepreneurs by labeling genetically modified and disease-immune crops as GMO which stands for “Genetically Modified Organism”.

This event has had huge repercussions such as the decreasing demand from the marketplace for foods labeled as GMO – that is obviously apparent. As society becomes more conscious of the food that they consume and its effects on their health, purchasing genetically modified foods will not be considered as a wise choice. However, there is a huge difference between foods that are genetically modified to last longer on shelves and crops that are modified to have enhanced DNA that allows them to become disease-free without suffering the consequences of compromising the health of humans. The government can put the same labels on both crop types, but they can’t have a valid reason that justifies doing that as the distinction will become apparent sooner or later.

Millennials and Their Impact on Agriculture

According to our experience, we gained by collaborating with agriculture technology companies all around the globe, the biggest success stories for managing to create solutions, secure the right amount of funding and develop products that have made a huge impact for crop and animal health came from millennial founders. This is not to say that the future of AgTech will not be shaped by the older demographics as well, however, from what we can see now, the newer generation of farmers and tech startups have a huge advantage for making a positive change because they have an easier time gravitating, adapting and immersing themselves in technology.