Preparedness
How Surveillance Tech Could Change Everything Forever
As technology continues to weave itself into every aspect of our lives, the agriculture industry is not immune to this digital transformation. The advent of surveillance agriculture, which utilizes advanced tools such as remote sensing, IoT devices, and AI, is being heralded as a revolutionary approach to farming. Proponents argue that it promises enhanced crop yields, environmental benefits, and cost savings for farmers. However, the implications of this technological shift are far-reaching and not without significant concerns.
“Farm monitoring offers numerous benefits. It’s not just about better crops, but also smarter use of resources, less harm to the environment, informed decisions, and substantial cost savings.” This is the narrative being pushed by companies promoting surveillance agriculture. They emphasize its potential to optimize agricultural efficiency and sustainability, much like the technology used in smart cities.
However, the darker side of this technological dependence cannot be overlooked. As farms increasingly rely on digital systems, the role of the farmer is diminished, with decision-making processes driven by data rather than human intuition and experience. This shift could lead to a loss of autonomy for farmers, as they become mere operators of technology rather than stewards of the land.
Security concerns also loom large. The integration of technology into agriculture opens the door to cyber threats, making farms vulnerable to attacks. A breach could have catastrophic consequences, as seen in 2021 when cybercriminals targeted the meat processing giant JBS. Unauthorized access to farming data could lead to devastating outcomes, such as poisoning crops or disrupting food production.
Moreover, the reliance on surveillance agriculture could lead to a lack of flexibility in food production. When farming decisions are dictated by algorithms, the diversity of crops and the freedom to grow what we choose may be compromised. This could result in a homogenized food supply, heavily influenced by corporate interests and data manipulation.
Glenn Davis Stone, in “Surveillance Agriculture and Peasant Autonomy,” highlights several critical issues. He points out that these technologies can steer farmers towards increased use of agrochemicals, potentially raising chemical residues in food. Furthermore, they may promote specific brands of seeds and fertilizers, reducing crop diversity and increasing market dominance of certain products.
The pressure to focus on high-yield, monoculture crops could lead to dietary homogenization, limiting the availability of diverse, nutrient-rich foods. As these technologies align with agri-food corporations, there may be a surge in processed food production, negatively impacting dietary health.
With surveillance agriculture poised to grow in popularity, it’s crucial to prepare for changes in the food supply. Supporting local farmers, growing your own food, and building a community of like-minded individuals are vital steps to maintain control over what you eat. “Stick to doing things the old-fashioned way, friends,” because in the age of surveillance agriculture, preserving traditional farming practices might just be the key to food security and autonomy.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.