Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group, brought the future of farming into sharp focus at the World Economic Forum (WEF), highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) will transform agriculture by 2025. Speaking on the Bloomberg House panel, “From Soil to Silicon: How Advanced Technologies Are Cultivating the Future of Sustainable Ag,” Rowe explained how AI is set to drive sustainable farming practices, boost efficiency, and enhance resilience in the agricultural sector.
AI is not just a tool—it’s becoming the backbone of modern agriculture. From monitoring crops and soil health to predictive analytics, these advancements allow farmers to move from reactive approaches to proactive strategies, revolutionizing how we grow food and care for the land.
Key Trends in AI Shaping Agriculture According to Jeff Rowe of Syngenta
- AI in Research and Development (R&D): Machine learning is now integral to Syngenta’s research efforts, helping to discover innovative solutions for synthetic and biological products.
- AI in the Field: AI-powered systems provide detailed, high-resolution maps of soil health, nutrients, and carbon levels, offering farmers precise insights for better soil management.
- AI for Farmers: Generative AI tools act as digital advisors, offering personalized recommendations for crop management, helping farmers make data-driven decisions.
- AI in Pest Management: Precision agriculture leverages AI to target crop protection measures, reducing chemical use by focusing only on affected areas.
- AI in Supply Chain: Advanced forecasting models improve market predictions, optimize logistics, and reduce waste, creating a more efficient agricultural supply chain.
“AI and digital tools are revolutionizing farming and sustainable practices. Advanced monitoring systems integrate satellite imagery, drones, and soil maps to enable precise crop management. Predictive analytics, powered by AI and machine learning, provide farmers with actionable insights, transforming reactive practices into proactive strategies.”
The global potential of these technologies is immense. The agrotech market, valued at $24.19 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $54.17 billion by 2029. Similarly, AI in agriculture is expected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2023 to $4.7 billion by 2028. A WEF report also highlights the transformative potential of digital agriculture, which could increase the agricultural GDP of low- and middle-income countries by $450 billion annually.
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During the panel, Rowe and Suzanne DiBianca, Executive Vice President & Chief Impact Officer at Salesforce, emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to make advanced technologies accessible to farmers. Reducing financial and technical barriers is critical to fostering widespread adoption.
Both panelists agreed that the integration of regenerative farming practices with AI and digital tools offers a powerful way to tackle climate change while improving productivity. Together, these innovations are laying the foundation for a resilient, sustainable food system that benefits both farmers and the planet.