Specialty crop producers in Florida compete in the global marketplace, but they can no longer do so on the basis of low cost land or labor. Technology and innovation are critical if producers are to effectively compete.
In addition, the world will have to produce more food in the next 50 years that they have in the last 10,000 years. Farmers will have to do this with fewer resources and less environmental impact.
The partnership among the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), agricultural producers, and related industries will help agriculture meet these growing needs and continue to provide jobs and support Florida’s economy.
Developments in agricultural robotics, machine vision, ultra-precision farming; autonomous farming: artificial intelligence, and genomics will drive a deep and far-reaching transformation of the way farming proceeds.
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These technologies coupled with artificial intelligence are e enabling a revolution that will eventually change familiar norms in agrochemical supply, food safety, payroll and labor management, agricultural machine design, and farming practices.
UF/IFAS is conducting a virtual Ag Tech Expo entitled the “Future of Farming” May 10 – 11 to share current information on related topics such as: Agricultural Robotics, Global Positioning System (GPS) Guidance Systems, Variable Rate Technology, Remote Sensing, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Imagery Use in Agriculture Production, UAS Spray Systems, Computer-based applications, Genomics – Gene Editing, Harvesting Systems, Computerized Sorting/Grading Systems, Record Keeping, Food Safety, Produce Traceability, Broadband and 5G Technology and other subject areas. Presentations will take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day of the Expo.
The conference will also include a virtual trade show.
Additional information, including participation cost and online registration, is available by visiting: https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/AgTechExpo2021/
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