Michael Brady.
Agricultural Consultant and managing director at Brady Group: Agricultural Consultants & Land Agents. The Lodge, Lee Road, Cork.
In early civilisation around 10,000 BCE long before settled communities, money and religion, agriculture was king.
Food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter are the five bare necessities for a human’s survival. Agriculture provided food, clothing and shelter for early settlers, farming must be located near a good source of water and a long day’s work on the farm certainly helped one get a good night’s sleep. Its easy to see why agriculture was king.
Early humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer societies to settled farming communities, driven by the domestication of plants and animals. This shift was crucial for the development of stable food supplies, which in turn allowed for population growth and the establishment of complex societies.
As these early farmers cultivated crops and bred livestock, they began to produce surplus food, which enabled them to barter and trade with neighbouring communities.
As late at the 1800’s most of the Europe lived off the land, in Ireland at that time we all lived on the land. However this century marked the end of agriculture being the dominant industry in the world economy, the progression of money from coins to notes and legal tender backed by countries governments led to much freer trade of goods between, people, communities, empires and continents.
Agriculture has suffered from neglect over recent decades, particularly in the face of industrialisation and urbanisation. In many countries, the share of the labour force engaged in agriculture has significantly decreased, with workers flocking to cities in search of better-paying, less manual jobs. According to the World Bank, in the 1960s, around 60% of the global population worked in agriculture; today, that figure has dropped to about 26%. While this transition has been driven by technological advancements and the rise of new industries, it has left the agricultural sector struggling to keep up with modern challenges.
So how do we Make Agriculture Great Again?
In the 1896 Henry Ford invented the Ford Model T motor car. When he was asked about customer input in the development of the Ford Model T, Henry Ford famously said, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” Here we are 130 years later and horses are no longer used for transport nor farming but for pleasure and sport.
We need this type of innovative blue sky thinking to make agriculture great again. Here we are some areas where we can deliver this vision:
- Artificial Intelligence: The rapid progression of artificial intelligence is projected to replace 75% of all jobs by 2100. Just like cars replacing horses, human beings will be freed from mundane work for reproduction and sport! If AI infiltrates agriculture to the same extent, it will remove labour availability as an issue on farms. This will go a long way to making agriculture a desirable vocation/career again.
- Research and Development: Increased investment in agricultural research and development is essential to drive innovation and address new emerging challenges. This includes developing new breeds of animals, crop varieties, improving farming techniques, and developing sustainable practices.
- Supporting Part-time and Smallholder Farmers: Part-time and smallholder farmers play a crucial role in global food production. Providing them with access to resources, technology, and markets will enhance their productivity and livelihoods.
- Developing Sustainable Practices: Encouraging the adoption of sustainable farming practices will help mitigate environmental impact of climate change and ensure the long-term viability of agricultural systems.
- Enhancing Education and Training: Equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement modern agricultural practices is vital. This includes providing training on new technologies, sustainable methods, and business management.
- Strengthening Agricultural Policies: The UN and governments play a critical role in shaping agricultural policies and regulations. Creating supportive frameworks that promote sustainable agriculture, protect farmers’ rights, and facilitate access to markets can drive positive change.
- Cultural Shift to Valuing Agriculture in Society Again: In order to make agriculture great again, we must also foster a cultural shift that values farming as a noble and essential profession. For too long, farming has been seen as a backbreaking, low-paying job with limited prospects. Many young people are disillusioned with the idea of a career in agriculture and are seeking opportunities in urban areas. This shift away from farming threatens to leave the next generation without the skills, knowledge, and passion necessary to continue feeding the world. To combat this trend, we must change the narrative around agriculture. Schools and universities should offer programs that teach the next generation of farmers about the latest agricultural technologies, sustainability practices, and business management skills. Encouraging youth to view farming as an innovative, impactful career choice is essential for the future of food production. Moreover, society must recognise and respect the hard work and contributions of farmers. Farmers should be celebrated as stewards of the land, custodians of our food systems, and champions of sustainability. The stories of farmers, their challenges, and successes should be shared more widely in the media, helping to build a positive image of agriculture.
Conclusion
The role of agriculture in human history and its significance in today’s world is both profound and indispensable. From the barter systems of early civilisations to modern-day agricultural practices, the journey of agriculture has been a cornerstone of human progress.
Making agriculture great again is not a quick fix, but rather a long-term commitment to revitalising the sector. By investing in policy reform, embracing new technologies, improving infrastructure and fostering a cultural shift, we can create an environment in which agriculture thrives. In doing so, we not only ensure food security for future generations but also support the economic and environmental health of our planet. The time to act is now, because agriculture is not just about feeding the world; it is about sustaining life itself.