At California’s World Agriculture Expo this year, an event that felt like a leap into the 25th century of farming, high-tech tools like drones, flamethrowers, and AI-powered robots were showcasing the future of agriculture. Among these innovations was Carbon Robotics’ laser weeder, a device that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and eliminate weeds, potentially replacing the work of 75 people with its precision.

However, this rapid technological advancement brings mixed feelings. For workers like Asuncion Ponce, a 36-year veteran in California’s Central Valley fields, and Lulu Cardinus, who came from Mexico two decades ago to support her family through farm work, the rise of smart farming robots stirs fears of displacement and uncertainty about their future in the industry.

Despite these concerns, some see a silver lining. Adrian Miromontes, a farm manager with a journey from Mexico to the US Marine Corps, believes in the potential for workers to adapt and thrive alongside new machinery, provided they receive the necessary training.

This evolution towards AI-driven agriculture also touches on a broader societal issue: the status of farm workers in the United States. With nearly half of farm workers in the country being undocumented, shifts towards technology could disproportionately affect those unable to access government assistance or retraining programs aimed at integrating AI into the workforce.

Yet, the prospect of a transition to more tech-savvy roles within agriculture holds promise. Industry experts suggest that workers like Cardinus could find new opportunities in programming or operating these sophisticated machines, given the proper training.

As agriculture embarks on this transformative journey, integrating cutting-edge AI and robotics, the challenge remains to balance innovation with the livelihoods and dignity of the workers who have long been the backbone of the sector. This balance will be crucial in shaping a future where technology and human endeavor coexist harmoniously in the pursuit of sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Featured image: Credit: CBS