Georgia Agriculture Technology
With agriculture being Georgia’s largest industry and technology firmly rooted as another major player in the economy, it’s no surprise that the industries are cross-pollinating in significant ways. As a result, the Center of Innovation has added Agricultural Technology (AgTech) to its specific areas of expertise to connect Georgia businesses working in this arena to insightful research, valuable partners in academia and business, and other helpful tools available like funding opportunities.
The biggest challenge is meeting the world’s future demand for food given the projected increase in the world population and future caloric requirements. Added to that is the impact of climate change on future production and constraints caused by the limited availability of land, water, and other key resources. As a result, the major shift to retool the world’s food systems and make the most of the resources available is driving technology to help change the face of farming and production.
As technology in the agricultural space continues to evolve, growers are improving efficiency, increasing yields, and decreasing costs. Meanwhile, preparing crops, animal products and raw materials like cotton, wool, wood, and more for distribution to market is being assisted by AgTech more and more in order to supply a growing world. It’s a solution that helps everyone, and the Center of Innovation is helping Georgia businesses make it happen by clearing the path to innovation and serving as a trusted advisor.
Innovations in AgTech are influencing every step in the agriculture value chain, impacting crop inputs and production, animal production, agricultural processing, distribution, and consumer consumption. The Center is available to help Georgia’s AgTech businesses succeed in this important marketplace by offering the following services.
- Assists businesses of all sizes in overcoming internal or external challenges and pursuing new opportunities.
- Provides technical assistance by connecting businesses to research, industry information, and resources such as business loans and grants.
The Center is working with Georgia's universities to focus on robotics to help growers learn more about crop conditions. New controlled-environment technology is leading to new crop capabilities in the state, and the Center is constantly in search of new ways to reduce food waste and create more revenue. Companies can utilize these resources to overcome challenges and get support from other industry leaders.
Agriculture has more than a $70 billion economic impact on Georgia. While farming is the backbone of the industry and contributes $12 billion, a bulk of the income is from agribusiness.
AgTech, ranging from controlled environment agriculture and data science to farm drones, is one of the hottest new areas in technology. The latest advancements in technology can be thought of as bringing agriculture from the Industrial Age into the Digital Age.
Integrated Precision Agriculture
Technology like variable rate irrigation was developed in Georgia and ongoing research happening at the state’s universities is focusing on ways robotics, sensors, and drones can give growers better insights into crop conditions. One of the main goals of integrated precision agriculture is to help farmers reduce costs and increase yields.
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Controlled environment agriculture in the form of greenhouse and indoor warehouse operations and resulting crops Georgia isn’t typically known for, such as leafy greens, is paving the way to new markets.
Food Product Innovation
How to make the most of crops and livestock raised in Georgia while serving a growing world population and keeping up with consumer preferences are at the heart of food product innovation. The state’s producers, businesses, and universities are working together to best utilize these resources and generate additional revenue streams for farmers and those who turn raw products into something more.
Food System Technology Integration
Food system technology integration is all about increasing efficiencies in food processing to both reduce waste and create revenue streams by utilizing remaining waste for products such as pet food, compost, and feed additives. It’s also about adding value to crops through food product innovation.
The Center of Innovation AgTech Team
The Center of Innovation is made up of experts with the knowledge and experience to meet your needs. Learn more about the AgTech team and reach out if you have any questions.