News

May 20, 2024

Cultivating Inclusive Innovation in the Future of Food Systems

Imagine a field where photovoltaic panels and agricultural crops coexist. As sun energy is being harnessed overhead, the crop growth and underground soil dynamics are being meticulously monitored by AI-powered sensors. Robots weave through fields, guided by precision data maps, seeking and removing unwanted plants or weeds with laser-like accuracy. This isn't futuristic fantasy; it's the reality of current technologies being tested, and equipment being used in modern agriculture. These innovations are possible because of new and advancing technology and requires inventive minds and diverse perspectives of a new generation of agricultural problem-solvers to make them reality.

Untapped potential across diverse demographics hinders innovation

Seeds of Innovation, Blossoming Globally:

Modern agriculture embraces innovations that enhance farming practices with a primary focus on technologies that increase efficiency and reduce impacts on natural resources to meet the demand of our world’s food, fuel, and fiber needs.[1] In broad scale agricultural systems, this modern approach is driven by using technology and digital tools that are currently available while continuously seeking new or improved technologies to increase productivity and decrease environmental impact. To support these efforts, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) began the process of creating the U.S. Agriculture Innovation Strategy[2] to fulfil the goal of “increasing U.S. agricultural production by 40 percent, while cutting the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture in half by 2050.”[3] Embracing innovations in the agriculture industry is a national priority.

Embracing innovations
in the agriculture industry
is a national priority

This precision agriculture, with its real-time data analysis and targeted interventions, is revolutionizing how food is grown and makes its way to your table. Farmers can use the technology to create management systems that aid decision making. For example, a dairy farmer can monitor each cow with data points like amount of milk produced each milking, amount of feed consumed and at what time, water intake, number of steps the cow took, number of times the cow chewed, and a host of other data points. When these data points are programmed to interact with each other, trends can be identified that let the farmer know in real time the overall health and condition of the animal. The farmer knows for each animal at any given time, if it is behaving normally, if it is exhibiting behavior of an animal that is getting sick, if it is exhibiting behavior of an animal in heat or estrus, and a host of other questions that concern the animal’s overall welfare. And all this information can be accessed anytime, even on the phone in the farmer’s pocket, allowing the farmer to make data informed decisions for each unique animal. Similarly, crop farmers can get site-specific data on nutrients and microbes available in soil, pests identified on crops, weeds or unwanted plant growth, moisture and water usage, crop growth rates, and yield. The use of GPS to guide machinery results not only in more accurate and efficient resource use, but also creates a system or grid in which millions of acres of land can be monitored down to the square foot. This application of computer and data science within the agriculture industry and broader food system is enabling practices that continue to enhance efforts in sustainable production, resulting in better environmental stewardship and climate change mitigation.  Roughly 27% of U.S. farms and ranches currently use precision agriculture technologies, but this number is anticipated to grow as new inventions become available.[4] The agriculture industry needs innovative minds to identify new applications of technology that help inform and create better production practices now and into the future!

Widening the Agricultural Workforce:

Who Becomes an Inventor in America? The Importance of Exposure to Innovation”[5] reveals that due to inequality, the United States may have lost out on numerous potential inventors, termed as "lost Einsteins" by the researchers.[6] Children born into the wealthiest one percent of society are ten times more likely to become inventors compared to those born into the bottom 50 percent, indicating a significant impact on innovation, as highlighted by MIT Sloan professor John Van Reenen. Additionally, the study suggests that innovation in the U.S. could increase fourfold if women, minorities, and children from low-income backgrounds had the same inventor rates as affluent men. However, achieving this requires exposing more children to innovation at a young age, emphasizing the importance of early exposure for optimal results. As the concept of "Lost Einsteins" warns, untapped potential across diverse demographics hinders innovation and economic growth. Yet, amidst the expanding field of agricultural innovations, lies a transformative opportunity: fostering an inclusive and passionate workforce equipped to address crucial challenges like food security, sustainability, and resource efficiency. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies and connecting them with a wider talent pool, we can unlock a wave of inventive solutions and secure a more prosperous future for agriculture.

Untapped potential across diverse demographics
hinders innovation and economic growth

The allure of cutting-edge technologies and the inherent appeal of solving real-world challenges can ignite a spark of curiosity in young minds, regardless of their background. Imagine urban youth captivated by the prospect of designing hydroponic systems for vertical farms, or young women in rural communities inspired by the ingenuity of AI-powered crop monitoring. Initiatives like robotics clubs in underserved communities or virtual tours of biolabs can be powerful entry points, fostering a sense of possibility and connection to the world of agricultural innovation.

Despite these advancements, a stark reality persists: the agricultural workforce often lacks diversity[8], which brings diverse perspectives. Low-income children, women, and minorities remain underrepresented, missing out on the exciting prospects and impactful careers this field offers. This not only hinders social equity but also limits the potential for creative problem-solving and innovation. A diverse workforce brings a breadth of perspectives, fostering more comprehensive solutions and ensuring innovations resonate with diverse communities. The Agriculture industry knows this and USDA is working to advance equity in the industry[8]. As the ”Lost Einstein” article emphasizes, inclusivity isn't just a moral imperative; it's an economic one, unlocking the full potential of innovation for societal and economic progress. Unfortunately, several factors still hinder participation from underrepresented groups. Socio-economic disparities, limited access to educational resources, and unconscious bias create formidable barriers. Creating inclusive pathways begins with fostering a love for science and technology from a young age. It requires opportunities for students to make sense of the challenges within the food and agriculture system. Early exposure to agricultural concepts through engaging educational initiatives, such as school gardens, STEM programs focused on agriculture or food production, and formal science courses taught with the applied context of food and agriculture can spark a lifelong passion. Mentorship programs, connecting youth with experienced professionals in the field, provide invaluable guidance and role models. Additionally, government, academia, and industry can collaborate to create internship opportunities, educational programs, and career development resources specifically tailored to attract and support diverse talent.

Finding Purpose in Innovation: Cultivating Altruistic Problem-Solvers:

Engaging with agricultural innovations can offer a powerful sense of purpose for learners across all backgrounds. From contributing to sustainable solutions for food security to mitigating climate change, these endeavors resonate with our deeper desire to make a positive impact on the world. Recognizing the larger societal goals intertwined with agricultural innovation empowers individuals to see their contributions as meaningful and impactful, fostering a sense of ownership and dedication. The challenge of nourishing a growing global population requires the ingenuity and dedication of diverse minds. Agricultural innovations hold the key to producing more food with less, ensuring equitable access for all. The altruistic appeal of alleviating hunger and promoting food security can be a powerful motivator, attracting individuals driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference. By highlighting the global impact of their work, we can cultivate a sense of shared responsibility and inspire engagement from diverse communities.

Urban farm programs that utilize hydroponics to teach youth about food production, or robotics workshops focused on designing precision agriculture tools, offer compelling examples of inclusive learning initiatives. These programs connect learners with real-world challenges, fostering problem-solving skills and relevant technological knowledge. Additionally, showcasing success stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions to agricultural innovation can inspire and empower the next generation of ag leaders. By highlighting diverse role models and providing access to mentorship opportunities, we can cultivate a pipeline of talent that reflects the rich tapestry of society.

Conclusion:

Agricultural innovations offer an inclusive learning context, catering to diverse learners. Altruism in agricultural systems links to engaging marginalized groups, and aiding global challenges. Diverse contributions through agricultural innovation fuels positive change, economic growth, and personal fulfillment. Collaboration is crucial in dismantling barriers and fostering an inclusive, dynamic agricultural sector. Diversification of the agricultural workforce via innovation yields many advantages. Echoing the "Lost Einsteins" quote, agricultural innovation correlates with economic growth. As we embrace the potential of agricultural innovation to address pressing global issues, it's essential to ensure that no talent goes untapped. By breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity, we can harness the full spectrum of human ingenuity to cultivate a future where agriculture thrives, and every individual has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. Together, let us sow the seeds of inclusive innovation and reap a harvest of progress for generations to come.

Want to learn more? Click here to watch a recorded webinar on how cutting-edge technologies and the inherent appeal of solving real-world challenges can ignite a spark of curiosity in young minds

[1] https://mnsoybean.org/msrpc/modern-ag/
[2] https://www.ree.usda.gov/sites/default/files/tableau_dashboard/AIS_Full_Report.pdf
[3] https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AIS.508-01.06.2021.pdf
[4] https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-105962
[5] http://www.equality-of-opportunity.org/assets/documents/inventors_paper.pdf
[6] https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/lost-einsteins-us-may-have-missed-out-millions-inventors
[7] https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R47066.pdf
[8] https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-ec-interim-report-2023.pdf
 

Yolanda Payne
Research Associate II - Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology

Yolanda Payne is an experienced instructional technology specialist skilled in equity and inclusion, research, curriculum design and development.

Brian Beierle
Science Education Practice Lead

Brian Beierle, Science Education Practice Lead at Vivayic's Relevant Classroom division, brings over 20 years of experience to his role, specializing in Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) program design and leadership in formal, informal, and community education, impacting educational initiatives across diverse platforms.”

Rick Henningfeld
Sr. Learning Consultant

Rick’s teaching department developed a mission for their students: Production Agriculture Practices + Scientific Principles & Methodology = Students Prepared for Future Careers in Agricultural Industries. Rick brought the mission to life for students as he and his department redesigned all 16 of their class offerings to be more rigorous, inquiry-based, and rooted in science.