This essay is a merit winner in the 2022 Ag Day Essay Contest. Visit www.agday.org for more details on National Ag Day.
Rebekah Vague
Ellsworth, Kansas
In the last century, agriculture has become more advanced in
the ability to produce food for humanity through improving technology and
having a passionate workforce. Agriculture
holds the key for advancement in the world climate of today and tomorrow. Enthusiasts will build vital food
chains, increase technology, educate
consumers, and advance health and nutrition like never before over the next 50
years.
Food value chains help contribute to
the economic growth of American
agriculture while benefiting consumers. These
chains help build alliances between farmers and supply chain partners in order
to distribute food and products across all consumer venues and build trust
between agriculturists and consumers.
Technology has played an impactful
role in modernizing agriculture. Specifically,
the GPS advancement has allowed farmers to increase efficiency in planting crops. Drone technology can help farmers
take soil tests and spray fertilizer. According to Global Market Insights, the
drone market for agriculture will surpass $1 billion by the year 2024. Technology
use among agriculturalists will continue to grow.
Agriculturalists have increased global consumer interests by improving food quality. Consumers are looking for natural and safe food options. According to Linkage, “4 out of 10 Americans think it is important to be reassured that their food is produced naturally and 52% have reported their interest in knowing where their food is produced has increased in the last year.”
Health and wellness has driven consumers' food buying habits. According to Food Dive, the coronavirus pandemic has caused people to consume foods that benefit their immunity, metabolism, and mental state. Research from ADM’s Outside Voice states that 77% of consumers want to do more to stay healthy. Many manufacturers have stayed in tune with what consumers want. The pandemic shifted consumers' food habits to buying and consuming plant based products. ADM stated that 18% of United States consumers purchased their first plant based protein products during this time, and research found that 92% of these consumers will continue to purchase these products.
At just around 2 million farms in the
United States, farmers are the proudest stewards of the Earth’s natural resources. In the last 100
years, while working with conservationists, farmers have learned how to
conserve topsoil by using cover crops and how to protect natural water
resources through following proper spraying and pesticide practices.
With changing agricultural techniques,
farmers are better able to feed the world's growing population. The average United States farmer annually
feeds 166 people, both foregin and domestic. By 2050, the world's population is
expected to increase to 2.2 billion people. This
indicates that farmers must increase production by 70%. American farmers may have a big challenge ahead of them however, American
agriculture can grow a climate for tomorrow.
