Unlocking a Sustainable Food Future: How AI Can Create Fairness and Environmental Harmony

The need to change our food system is urgent. As climate issues worsen and people want more sustainable options, we must focus on a fair transition. To create a greener food system, we need skilled workers who can help shape it.

The European agrifood sector is massive, supporting around 30 million jobs and generating €900 billion (about $654 billion). But the OECD warns that this sector also faces a major skills gap. They found it has the highest skills mismatch compared to other sectors. Alarmingly, we could see a 13% drop in skilled workers over the next decade. This shows that the problem is growing.

It’s about more than just filling jobs; it’s about ensuring everyone can gain the right skills to contribute. AI technology could be key in closing this gap. These tools can help connect people, especially those in overlooked communities, to learning opportunities.

Many rural areas suffer from poor internet, limited educational options, and lack of investment in modern training. Around 80% of the EU is rural, making upskilling tough for those living there. Additionally, young people and migrant workers often face significant hurdles that limit their ability to advance in the sector, even though they have the potential to lead innovation.

If we don’t address these access issues, inequality will deepen as the food system evolves. We must act quickly to create an inclusive and sustainable food future.

AI-driven programs can help make learning more accessible and tailored. For example, the Geek4Food Skills Platform is a promising tool. Co-developed with SkyHive and supported by the Erasmus+ program, it uses AI to map job demands and identify necessary skills. This means learners can find pathways to reskill according to real job needs.

By analyzing individual experiences and learning styles, Geek4Food can make upskilling effective and inclusive. This empowers the next generation to take on vital roles in the shifting food landscape.

We’re already witnessing the impact of AI in agrifood. For instance, Elanti, a startup backed by EIT Food and Bayer, uses machine learning to improve crop yields and promote eco-friendly farming by studying soil health. This research not only boosts resilience in crops but also shows how technology can support sustainability.

However, technology is just one part of the solution. Building an equitable skills ecosystem requires more than just tech. Policymakers need to foster environments that encourage continuous learning, especially in rural regions. Investments in technology and flexible training options are essential. Employers should clearly communicate their skill requirements, opening up pathways for workers to learn and grow. Education providers must adapt to modern labor market needs, working closely with industry and communities to stay relevant.

By bringing together various players in the food system, we can empower young workers to design the future of food, creating a resilient workforce.

AI won’t solve everything, but it can help remove barriers and amplify potential. It can connect individuals with the resources they need to succeed.

Now is the time to shift our thinking from scarcity to opportunity—from a focus on skills gaps to building skills ecosystems. By investing in inclusive, tech-enabled education, we can create a food system that is not only smarter and greener but also fairer.

According to the OECD, efforts to include AI in workforce training can foster growth and fairness. With the right strategies, we can encourage a transformation in the food system that benefits everyone.

Source link

AI,artificial intelligence,EIT Food,EU,Geek4Food Skills Platform,innovation,rural communities,technology,upskilling