Ag innovation: The key to tomorrow

Agriculture has long been defined by innovation, as farmers, especially in recent decades, have leveraged technology to improve yields, adapt to challenges and ensure their farms remain strong and sustainable for seasons to come.

Innovation in areas such as data, crop protection tools and biotech, have all led to better nutrition, improved environmental outcomes and greater food availability and affordability for Americans.

But today, as the headwinds in agriculture continue to grow and technology advances, the conversations around innovation matter more than ever.

2025 World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit

Recently, I attended the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco. The two-day event brought together a cross-section of farmers, researchers, industry stakeholders and other leaders all focused on the challenges and opportunities ahead for food and agriculture.

While at the conference, I moderated an opening panel discussion with other leaders from across the supply chain focused on how we can set strategic priorities for our food system in times of change.

Throughout the discussion, we hit on how technology is shaping policy and evolving practices, how global markets are shifting and how we must ensure innovation pipelines are designed to meet real-world needs.

One theme that emerged from the conversation, and throughout the entire summit, was the important role partnership plays in agricultural innovation.

It’s one thing to have a great idea, but it’s another to bring that idea to life by sharing it and gaining feedback, to ensure it works on our farms and within our supply chain. Farmers need tools that are accessible, effective and designed with their daily challenges in mind.

Today, we’re seeing incredible advancements happening in the world of agricultural innovation. From new equipment that utilizes AI algorithms to platforms with the capability to analyze crop health in real-time, farmers are able to navigate numerous tasks and access insight that previously would have taken days or weeks to complete.

We also need to make sure as more technology becomes available, we safeguard the interests of our farmers and work in partnership across the entire supply chain.

Ag Innovation And AI

One of the most talked-about topics at the summit this year was artificial intelligence. I attended a presummit AI event that dove deep into the technical side, but drove home the point that artificial intelligence isn’t just on the horizon anymore. It’s here and will continue to advance.

The key around AI is charting a course that will help farmers embrace new opportunities while also ensuring that these technologies are deployed ethically and responsibly.

Ag Innovation And Farm Bureau

At Farm Bureau we believe that by supporting innovation, we are working to solve the challenges of tomorrow, today. Our policy book, developed by our grassroots leaders, supports the advancement of agricultural research, along with a cautious approach towards AI.

Farm Bureau members see this as a useful tool, but also believe that transparency in how platforms utilize data and security for sensitive data are crucial.

We also promote agricultural innovation in partnership with Farm Credit by leading the Ag Innovation Challenge, which supports agricultural entrepreneurs and provides our members with a front-row seat to the latest in innovation.

Innovation touches every part of our food system. Whether you’re a farmer adopting new technology, an innovator with a groundbreaking idea, or a consumer enjoying a variety of healthy, safe and affordable choices in the grocery store, innovation plays a role.

We need to make sure there is partnership on every level so that farmers have access to new ideas and that our researchers and entrepreneurs know the needs of our farms and rural communities.

By establishing a pipeline of innovation across the supply chain, we will have a food supply that remains strong and resilient for whatever tomorrow brings.

Joby Young is executive vice president at the American Farm Bureau Federation.