Agriculture is one of the world’s oldest and most important industries, and farmers are behind much of our food. In fact, without them, society wouldn’t exist!
This blog post takes a closer look at some of the many things you should know about FARMERS: from their pivotal role in food production like good stardew valley farm names to how technology has changed their lives.
With this understanding, it’s no wonder that farmers have been at the forefront of innovation. From tractor-backed armies that helped Russia conquer Europe in WWII to dirt-covered computer engineers who created The iPad and started Apple—farmers have always been innovators.
10 things to know about farmers are:
1. Farmers produce almost all the food we eat.
Agriculture is a $1.9 trillion industry that contributes to the livelihoods and well-being of over 750 million people, or one in nine people worldwide.
2. Farmers feed billions more.
Today, agriculture is a global industry that produces food for seven billion human beings (FAO 2013). That’s not just a number, it’s family, friends, and neighbors, as well as other animals who share our planet.
3. Farmers continue to be the linchpins of food security.
According to the United Nations, the world population is expected to hit 9 billion by 2050.
Unless we figure out a way to increase agricultural productivity, all those people will need about 50% more food than we produce today. That’s an astounding number when you think about it: it means farmers must nearly double their food output between now and 2050—no small feat. And yet, farmers are up for the challenge . . . as long as governments and businesses get out of their way and let them do their jobs!
4. Innovation is in farmers’ DNA.
There is no doubt that the farmers of today have benefited from technology.
Smartphones have made farming easier, GPS devices make it faster, GPS enabled tractors improve accuracy and reduce dependence on human labor, and mobile phones allow farmers to access data in real-time.
5. Innovation is key.
Farmers are innovating like never before to meet the growing demand for food while remaining sustainable. The Global Food Security Index , a joint effort between FAO and the Rockefeller Foundation examines rural governance, competitiveness and policies of over 50 countries focusing on their ability to produce more food with limited resources to ensure food security by reducing poverty and hunger in the future.
6. Farmers are innovating for their countries, communities and families.
Improved farming practices can make a real difference to a family’s quality of life and farmers are leading the way with more innovative approaches to farm-level food production.
Farmers across the world use resource-smart techniques in their everyday lives that build soil health, conserve water and energy, employ renewable resources and increase productivity – all while strengthening food systems.
7. Farmers are embracing technology to increase productivity and efficiency.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of connections embedded into everyday objects, allowing these objects to pass data back and forth among themselves. Unlike today’s “connected” devices—which rely on cloud-based connections and sensors that require users to be within close proximity—the IoT connects everyday objects over long distances and in real time.
Using technologies such as intelligent sensors, remote-sensing cameras, satellite imaging and global positioning systems (GPS), farmers can now access real-time information about their crops from their home computer or smartphone.
8. Farmers are building new value chains for better food security.
Farmers are transforming food systems by creating value chains that link agriculture, food processing, distribution and retail. Often referred to as “farm-to-fork” value chains, this new food system has several advantages over the conventional system.
For example, farmers can increase the value that they receive for their crops in a way that reduces waste and decreases the risk of food spoilage.
9. Farmers are more connected than ever before.
Every year between November and March, millions of farmers gather in cities around the world to share knowledge and help further their agricultural education through farmer-organized events such as farmer forums , seminars and symposia .
10. Farmers are passionate about the food they produce—and they’re passionate about our planet.
According to a farmer survey conducted by the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA) , more than 75 percent of farmers surveyed in the United States agree that their ability to feed a growing population depends on the survival of wild plants and animals. Many farmers are making a positive difference in their local and global communities. Many farmers care deeply about the environment and the health of our natural resources, including air and water. Others have started movements to raise awareness about issues such as climate change .
Conclusion:
In the end, a farmer isn’t just someone who plants seeds and gets paid. Farmers are people who grow food, and provide a vital service to our communities and to the world. Their story is one of innovation, commitment, hard work, creativity and love of what they produce.
As farmers continue to be innovators in agriculture, we can only hope—and pray—to better improve food security while also conserving resources in our own lives.
Thanks for reading!
