In a recent episode of CropTalk #KyleTalksAgtech, Elliott Kellner, the Director of Commercial Innovation at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, was the featured guest. Kellner, who is involved in groundbreaking work in agtech, provided insights into the potential benefits of research institutions validating various agtech offerings, including technologies, fertilizers, and substrates.
Kellner discussed the potential of research institutions to serve as proving grounds for new agtech products. He argued that these organizations, armed with scientific rigor and resources, could test and potentially validate emerging technologies, providing objective evidence of their effectiveness. This could, in theory, encourage the adoption of these technologies by mitigating uncertainty for potential investors and users.
Kellner also explored current developments in seed genetics, specifically within the realm of indoor horticulture. He suggested that new advancements in this field could potentially result in more productive and sustainable practices in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), thus addressing the increasing demand for fresh produce in urban areas with spatial constraints.
The conversation also touched on the evolving culture within CEA. With the incorporation of modern technologies like AI and machine learning, traditional farming methods are making way for data-driven approaches. While Kellner asserts that this can result in better crop yield and efficiency, it’s crucial to consider the balance between technology adoption and retaining vital traditional farming knowledge.
Looking forward, Kellner suggested a future agtech landscape characterized by rapid innovation adoption. This future scenario could be facilitated by partnerships among research institutions, technology developers, and farmers. The overarching goal would be to develop an efficient and sustainable agricultural industry capable of addressing the growing global food demand. However, it’s important to note that the implementation of these advancements will need to consider socio-economic and environmental impacts to ensure a balanced and sustainable future for agriculture. This conversation underlines the possibilities and challenges in the agtech sector and its potential implications for our food systems.
