The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has released “The Future of Food Production,” a white paper detailing the drivers impacting how food is produced in North America. Guided by the AEM Futures Council and a Vision Team, comprised of AEM member company thought leaders, The Future of Food Production explores 13 trends that are changing agriculture today, impacting farmers, and reshaping how food will be produced in the coming decade.

“We brought our agriculture-based members together to take a hard look at the future and identify the trends that are changing the industry and the demands being made on today’s farmers,” said AEM President Megan Tanel. “AEM is committed to taking an active role in examining and shaping the future of agriculture so we can offer equipment solutions and insights to help farmers succeed.”

From producing more with less environmental impact to advanced food traceability to help maintain consumer trust to artificial intelligence enabling insights-driven farming, the 13 trends outlined in the white paper define a new way of doing business that will help growers produce more with less.

The 13 trends outlined in The Future of Food Production:

“Farmers are working hard to do the right things, not just for the next season, but for the next generation,” said Robert Crain, AEM Chair and senior vice president of customer experience at AGCO Corporation. “This white paper outlines how the agriculture industry could be reshaped over the next decade and shares a vision for opportunities to overcome challenges.”

America’s farmers have always met the challenges of their time. However, a global population projected to increase 2.2 billion by 2050, requiring a 70% increase in food production, without additional land or natural resources to do so, raises the bar to even greater heights.

“Equipment technology is pivotal to many of these trends coming to fruition,” said Ray O’Connor, president and chief executive officer of Topcon Positioning Systems Inc. “With predicted global population growth, shifting natural resources and increasing supply chain challenges, the evolution and adoption of technology will be key to meeting the production demands.”

Meeting tomorrow’s challenges will require a new way of thinking and in some instances, a new way of doing business, AEM noted, adding that its members will work with growers to help them meet the demand to feed an increasing population. 

“Thought leaders with a desire to shape the world of tomorrow are vitally important to the ability of our members to feed our world,” said Tanel. “Thanks to the efforts of our member company thought leaders, we have built consensus on where the future of ag is, as well as outlined the role of the equipment manufacturing industry in impacting that future.”

She continued, “Food production and the complexion of farmland ownership in America is changing. But the one constant is the American farmer who has the ingenuity and tenacity needed to ensure a reliable food supply at home and abroad.”

The white paper can be viewed and downloaded from AEM’s Future of Food Production page.