Technology drives decisions for processors and growers
Advanced technology has affected how food is grown, processed and purchased.
Over the past year, it has also affected how people choose and purchase their food.
Technology plays a role in planting, growing, harvesting, processing and distribution of food products. Robotics, machines and other advanced technologies have risen in recent years. Technological advancements have led to better quality and longer shelf lives of many foods.
It has also led to a shift in workforce skills required.
Jason Culotta, president of the Midwest Food Processors Association, says a higher level of understanding of programming and computers is becoming necessary on the processing side of food production.
“Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, are used more widely across various pieces of equipment and plants to operate equipment and facilities,” Culotta said.
PLCs are devices that automate industrial processes and are utilized across many sectors. PLCs help produce more food with fewer resources.
Though technology has helped increase quality and taste, Culotta said it has not revolutionized the canning or processing industry.
“We still plant, grow, harvest, clean, prep, can, cook and label product as we always have,” Culotta said. “There are improvements in every area that make advancements like efficiencies, throughput, and quality, but fundamentally, we still produce product very similarly to how we always have.”
Technology drives decisions at the farm level too.
Growers utilize precision agriculture to increase productivity. To do that, precision agriculture incorporates the lastest technologies into time-tested methods. It utilizes GPS during planting and harvesting and drone technology to monitor and scout crops during the growing season. This allows for rapid intervention of pest and disease management.
Technology can also monitor soil moisture and irrigation needs. Water management is critical for both adequate production and sustainability methods. Some irrigation systems are equipped with digital rain monitors that activate or deactivate based on rainfall. Growers never want to provide crops with too much or too little water.
Most people do not associate technology and agriculture together. However, the truth is that technology directly affects how a growing population accesses food.
Modern farming and processing combines tradition with the newest technologies to grow more food while using fewer resources.
This is the final article in the National Learning & Development Month series. Throughout October, we posted articles to help you gain a better understanding of related to your food. Be sure to follow us on social media channels to stay up to date with additional content published.
