ALBANY, Ga. — Farmers face a growing number of challenges, but smart technologies can help.

That was the message shared with students, residents, farmers, scientists, and others gathered at the first Agritech & AI Innovation Expo, held April 22 in Albany, Georgia. The event served as a launch pad — on Earth Day, no less — to connect those in the agriculture industry with new ideas in technology.

Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies can offer valuable insights, create new efficiencies, and engage the next generation with agriculture. This is why Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM) served as a sponsor and event participant, providing a pathway for small and medium farms and businesses supporting South Georgia’s rural economy to learn more about what’s possible.

Held at Albany State University, the event was organized by Albany resident Clinton Banks-Vicks, who said he created the event to highlight new pathways and opportunities for farmers, students, and anyone interested in agriculture.

“I hope people leave here today with connections to others, ideas they had not thought of before, and confidence that there are people planning for our future, which will give them hope as well,” said Banks-Vicks, who also identifies as a farmer but is passionate about education and new technologies.

The Agritech & AI Innovation Expo featured several speakers working at the intersection of agriculture and new technology. Donna Ennis, co-director of Georgia AIM, highlighted the ways manufacturing technologies can overlap with agriculture — for example, incorporating machine vision to sort produce or AI to assist with supply chain efficiencies. Abdullah Hashi, deputy consul-general for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, noted the country’s interest in technology-driven agriculture innovations and its desire to partner with farms in Southwest Georgia. After the United States, the Netherlands is the second-largest agriculture exporter.

“Our ambition is to create an agritech center in Southwest Georgia,” he said, noting that his country views its role in trade differently. “We do not export products; we share expertise.”

Tech-Based Solutions

Emily Watson, managing director for NextGA, spoke about the current state of farming and the challenges farmers face. Her organization works to connect farmers to real solutions, whether it’s incorporating new technology, training the workforce to use more technology in agriculture, or spreading the word about the value of American farms.

“We believe that agriculture is in crisis, and our farmers are in crisis,” she said. “So many factors are out of their control: weather, farm policies, etc. We believe we can bring more innovation to Southwest Georgia and provide more security to farmers.”

If farmers don’t get technical support and assistance to increase their resiliency, she added, it opens up the country to more dependence on foreign countries for food. Southwest Georgia is an ideal testing ground for agritech, as it already has a network of Extension agents, colleges and universities providing research assistance, and a solid local network that understands the industry.

A Workforce for the Future

Education is key. This point was underscored by the host site, Albany State University, which is working to connect its students with new technology in agriculture. It’s also a mission shared by Sherrell Byrd, co-founder and executive director of SOWEGA Rising. The organization is planning an innovation hub in downtown Albany to foster new ideas and innovations among the area’s youth.

Connecting with the agricultural industry is a key part of Byrd’s plan. When technology can help farmers find sustainable solutions, everyone benefits, she said, which is why she is positioning SOWEGA Rising as a connector between area residents who understand agriculture but also want to work with future technologies. Innovations in agriculture can bridge that gap and help the next generation find career paths right in their own backyards.

That’s also why the Georgia AIM Mobile Studio was on-site for tours and demonstrations during the event. The technology on the mobile studio — a 52-foot trailer outfitted with drones, robotic arms, computer vision, and other smart technology — was selected with a purpose.

When residents learn how this technology can be used and how accessible it can be, it opens doors to new ideas and innovations. This is especially true in an area such as Southwest Georgia, where drones, robots, and AI-enabled forecasting are making inroads in the agricultural community.

Now, said Banks-Vicks, the next generation can connect their agricultural roots with innovative ideas to take farming into the next century.

“What we need to be doing is making sure we entertain all areas and avenues that agriculture occupies, so students understand their options and don’t feel agriculture is a dead end as opposed to an open door,” said Banks-Vicks, who started his career as a teacher. Student assessment tests, he said, always showed high aptitude for agriculture.

“So that’s how workforce development and ag tech all tie in together,” he said. “Our largest industry is the one that’s going to be most impacted by our most recent industrial boom. If we can bring together agriculture and technology and engage students, then we can be better prepared for our future.”