Using Science and Farmer Trust to Improve the Human Condition

Science can be crucial in improving the human condition, particularly concerning food security and the supply chain in agriculture. For decades, the world’s food system has overemphasized the efficient production and transport of commodity crops, often at the expense of building resilient and equitable supply chains that reflect the true costs of production. Usually, these costs are borne by the weakest link, and in agriculture, that’s the farmer. Constant downward pressure on price and inequitable distribution of value results in high social and environmental costs for farmers that consumers and investors rarely see.

Farmers play a pivotal role in the agricultural supply chain as primary food and agricultural goods producers. Their responsibilities encompass cultivating crops, raising livestock, and nurturing various agricultural products, crucial for ensuring food security and supplying raw materials to diverse industries. Situated at the initial production stage of the agricultural supply chain, farmers engage in activities such as planting, tending crops, managing livestock, and harvesting agricultural products. They serve as key decision-makers concerning land use, crop selection, irrigation techniques, and the utilization of agricultural inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. The productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of farmers’ operations significantly influence the success of the entire agricultural supply chain. Their capacity to deliver high-quality crops and livestock directly impacts…