Welcome to Global Signals, your monthly update of new and interesting 'signals' in the world of AgriFoodTech. We hope this newsletter informs, insights and inspires you to start thinking about your market in new ways.
Now it’s your turn - submit a Signal Over the last 4 issues of Global Signals we have shared the best signals we have seen. If we’ve missed something that caught your eye, send it through and we’ll include the most thought-provoking signals next month!
But what is a Signal? Signals can come in the form of an event, product, practice, business model, or technology. They’re specific, small, or localised innovations that have the potential to grow. Signals may inform the future of food, agriculture and technology but alone predict the future, or definitively identify trends.
Happy reading!
Kia pai te rā Melissa (Futurist) and Shane (Callaghan Innovation) March 2022
Rapid transparency
Rapid antibiotic tests could bring more transparency to the meat industry; an important tool to combat the ever-growing concerns about antibiotic-resistant ‘Superbugs.’ Bill Niman suggests that much of meat labelled as ‘antibiotic-free … is just not that.’ Niman and FoodID’s new test is faster, cheaper and more precise than those currently used. The U.S cattle industry uses six times more medical antibiotics than the four top livestock producing countries in Europe. Niman states it is ‘widely considered’ that they may be the next pandemic.
In this pandemic, meat prices have drastically increased, but claims-based meat has attracted an even larger premium on top of this. How do we build trust with consumers that they’re buying the real thing? What else could this apply to?
Gorse is ubiquitous. It’s prickly. Invasive. Is it a good source of protein? Although native to Britain, gorse is still removed from marginal Scottish land as it is invasive. Professor Wendy Russel has suggested repurposing this problem plant for its protein. Gorse contains 17% protein and Broom contains 21%. Both of these have a history of being fed to cattle in hard times. Gorse protein could contribute to animal feed or, with proper handling, human food products.
Everywhere we look, plant-based proteins are having a moment. What if we could extract protein from ‘weeds’ and waste plants? Is there a better way than converting more land for new ventures like soy and pea production?
Women account for 43% of Africa’s agricultural labour force. However, there is a productivity gap of 10-28% between men and women in this industry. This is largely due to limited access to resources such as financing and banking services, ‘productive inputs,’ cultural and systemic barriers, among other factors. Agritech can even the playing field somewhat by giving women incentives and accessible technology. In farming, the use of agritech has been shown to increase yield and raise productivity by over 50%.
It was International Womens’ Day this month, and the pay gap remains - not just in wages but also for self-employed women. Could we make life-changing technology more accessible to women? How might that technology differ from that aimed at men?
Did you know that like coral, oysters can become the foundation of a thriving, diverse reef?
Around the world, organisations are trying to recover oyster reefs for their many benefits. They dampen strong waves thus lowering erosion and the severity of floods, while, unlike man-made barriers, an oyster reef will continue to grow, lessening the need for rebuilding or maintenance. Plus, as filter feeders, oysters can clean the water of contaminants.
How do we use living systems to rehabilitate our ecosystems? Is there a role for biophilic architectural practice in ecosystems and biodiversity remediation?
Blenheim company, Smart Machine has received over $600,000 to upscale its autonomous vehicle production. Funding comes from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibres Futures fund. The vehicles will operate on vineyards, completing a variety of tasks simultaneously. Alex Kahl believes the project will create jobs, incentives for young people, and increase productivity. Multiple machines can be controlled by a single operator. Smart Machine plans for its vehicles to go fully electric in the future.
Could the electrification of robotic technology mean outdoor horticulture taps the power of the sun - not just for its crops, but also for its machinery? With the current stratospheric fuel prices, will alternate fuels become the norm for farm equipment?
Walmart is investing in the vertical farming company, Plenty. Vertical farming has a myriad of benefits. For instance, crops are not subject to weather or external conditions, allowing for higher yields. They do not require pesticides: an attractive factor for consumers and in protecting soil conditions. Walmart is America’s largest grocer. The sum they invested in Plenty has not been disclosed.
Early vertical farming startups spluttered and failed as they looked for market applications. The last few years have seen successful companies combine solar power, hydroponics, genetics and subscription business models all the way to the bank. And Walmart wants in.
N-Drip’s technology could revolutionise irrigation, particularly for dry, resource-deprived environments. Their ‘microdrip’ irrigation system saves water, is more efficient, and increases crop yields. Other drip irrigation systems can cost thousands per acre to install and run. Extra energy costs can come from filtering the water and achieving and maintaining water pressure. The microdrip, meanwhile, uses gravity to achieve the required pressure, thus cutting costs and is carbon neutral.
Pressure on energy and water will see rising costs for farmers. Can a passive, gravity-based model make the difference? What other simpler technologies might we employ that reduce both water and energy use at the same time?
Seoul Robotics is rethinking driverless cars. Rather than placing sensors on the car, Seoul Robotics is testing placing sensors on the environment itself. Sensors could be embedded in buildings, traffic lights, overpasses etc. This would allow the car to have a better, dynamic sense of its environment. The technology is remotely managed by a ‘control tower.’ The system would allow self-driving cars to better navigate traffic and overcome blind spots.
How might autonomous farm technology use embedded signals? Can we use farm features (such as yards, fences, barns etc.) to teach autonomous vehicles where and how to operate? Will this be simpler and cheaper than LIDAR?
Meet the tractor powered by methane. The T6 Methane Power by New Holland aims to close the loop in agriculture. Biofuel can be made from agricultural waste and manure. This can result in a carbon-neutral or carbon-negative effect. The tractor is said to be able to match diesel-powered equivalents in power while decreasing running costs by up to 30%!
Of course, methane burps are more prevalent than farts, but hey, farts make a better headline. We can see the writing on the wall for the internal combustion engine. What technology will win? Solar-powered farm equipment or methane ones?
A Case Study in Farm Data Integration Tangible examples of why digital infrastructure is needed. Learn how Leaf Agriculture works with technology providers. Discover how infrastructure providers differentiate themselves, deal with competition and make money. One for the Agritech Business folks!
Jonas Salk said “The most important question we must ask ourselves is, ‘Are we being good ancestors?’”
The Good Ancestor asks us to consider six ways to think long-term. He talks of planting acorns, building cathedrals and designing regenerative economies.
This book will make you start thinking about the legacy you will leave to your grandchildren’s grandchildren.
We’d love to hear your feedback so we can continue to share relevant monthly reads with you.
Don’t forget to share with us any signals or interesting innovations you’ve come across so we can spread the word. We enjoy seeing NZ companies be creative, innovative and push the boundaries, it makes for insightful reading.
