Reviewers

Chenyu Pan, Graduate Student and Research Assistant, Purdue University

Article

Agritech revolution: next-generation supply chain in America’s agriculture by Joseph Seun Adesiyan and Andrew Everton Raffington

Source

Adesiyan, J., & Raffington, A. (2024). Agritech revolution: Next-generation supply chain in America’s agriculture. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 14(2), 254–272. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2024/v14i23943

Summary

In their article, Joseph Adesiyan and Andrew Raffington discuss how emerging technology is changing farming in the U.S. Published in the International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, the study focuses on issues like sustainability and modern farming. The authors examine how high-tech tools like sensors, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and even blockchain are increasingly used in U.S. agriculture. The authors argue that U.S. agriculture is undergoing a transformation similar in scale to the mechanization era, but this time driven by digital technology.

The research relies on historical data from 1970 to 2019, drawing from sources such as USDA and the United Nations’ FAOSTAT database. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation (r = 0.763) between technology adoption and agricultural productivity. Beyond statistical analysis, the article highlights several real-life examples demonstrating how this technology functions on farms across the U.S. and abroad. For example, an Iowa corn farmer using GPS-guided equipment increased crop yield by 40 bushels per acre while reduced fertilizer costs by 15%. A California dairy farm applied sensors and AI to monitor cow health, improvi g milk production by 10% and lowering vet bills by 20%. In Colombia, small coffee producers adopted blockchain to trace the origins of their beans, securing better prices and market access.

Looking into the future, the authors anticipate growth in the use of smart farming tools by the year 2030, driven by population growth, climate variability, and global food security demands. They emphasize that these technologies not only enhance efficiency but also support sustainability goals through reduced resource use and lower carbon footprints.

What does this mean for food and agricultural business?

For agribusiness leaders, this research reinforces the strategic importance of digital technology in creating value and maintaining competitiveness. Tools like drones, sensors and AI are not just operational upgrades – they represent opportunities for cost savings, supply chain transparency and customer trust. For example:

  • Cost efficiency: Precision technologies reduce input waste and optimize resource use, translating into lower production costs and higher margins.
  • Transparency and market differentiation: Blockchain systems can verify origin and production practices, meeting consumer demand for safety, sustainability and ethical sourcing.
  • Data-driven decision-making: Predictive analytics enable more accurate yield forecasts, inventory planning and logistics coordination, reducing waste and improving responsiveness to market shifts.

Of course, it’s not all easy. The authors point out significant obstacles such as capital investment requirements, farmer training and infrastructure gaps. Buying new machines, software, or drones can be expensive, especially for small or mid-size farms. Not everyone can afford to switch right away. Farmers need to learn how to use them, which takes time and support. Additionally, many rural areas are limited when it comes to high-speed internet. Government agencies and companies can play a role in bridging these gaps through partnerships, cost-sharing initiatives and technology support programs. Rules around data privacy also need to be taken into consideration to ensure farmers’ information is safe, especially as blockchain and connected devices become more common.

Ultimately, the integration of AgriTech is not optional – it’s a competitive necessity. Firms that embrace and help enable these innovations will be better positioned to deliver value, meet sustainability targets and adapt to an increasingly volatile agricultural landscape.