Future Agriculture
New Zealand agriculture has entered a period of disruptive change due to the combined impacts of technological advances and global drivers of change.
- Digital technologies - data analytics, artificial intelligence, and real-time modelling – that improve production, distribution efficiencies and decision-making through the supply chain, from producer to consumer.
- Automation and sensor technologies - robotics, drones, monitoring, and sensing instruments that improve planting, harvesting, and reduce waste
- Biotechnologies that enhance productivity and provide alternative pathways to pasture-based farming for the production of animal-based proteins, including milk and meat.
- Drivers of Change - climate change, socio/economic factors, trade, policy, land/water limitations and others
There is increasing demand for product quality, product traceability, and environmental sustainability by the global food markets serviced by New Zealand exporters. With this comes increasing need for ‘smart’ water and nutrient use, precision agriculture, and other technologies that, along with plant/animal genetics, help to mitigate the impacts of climate change on plant/animal production while reducing the impacts on the environment.
This research group harness multidisciplinary expertise at the University of Canterbury to develop a multi-agency collaborative research programme focusing on innovative technologies and change drivers on future agriculture in New Zealand.
To learn more about us contact the Future Agriculture staff