Agriculture plays a fundamental role in society, providing the food, fiber, and resources necessary to sustain daily life and drive economic activity. It supports communities, fuels industries, and provides a foundation for national and global economies. Crop and soil science, focuses on a wide range of crops which serve as a primary source of food and raw materials for countless products (such as cotton, corn, soybeans, etc.) By focusing on identifying the critical issues facing crop production it is possible to focus efforts within the domain and improve efficiency and sustainability. Such efforts are crucial not only for meeting current demands but also for securing the future of our food and fiber industries. This post shares the findings from a study I conducted with several amazing colleagues.
Key Findings:
Using a three round Delphi process a panel of experts identified 47 critical issues facing industries related to crop and soil sciences. The issues were then analyzed using the constant comparative method, resulting in 8 primary themes (listed alphabetically):
Chemical Usage: Addressing the responsible and sustainable use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to minimize environmental and health impacts.
Climate and Environmental Factors: Focusing on adapting agricultural practices to mitigate and respond to climate variability while protecting ecosystems.
Current and Future Workforce Training: Preparing a skilled workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for modern agricultural challenges.
Economic Sustainability: Ensuring financial viability and profitability in agricultural practices to support long-term growth and stability.
Public Understanding of Production Practices: Enhancing consumer awareness and understanding of agricultural processes and their impacts.
Research and Collaboration: Fostering interdisciplinary research and partnerships to drive innovation and share knowledge across the sector.
Seed and Food Quality Control: Maintaining high standards of quality and safety in seed production and food processing to protect consumer health.
Soil Health and Water Usage: Promoting practices that improve soil quality and optimize water resources for sustainable agricultural productivity.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Promoting Interdisciplinary Solutions: The complexity of these challenges will require collaboration across disciplines to innovate and implement effective strategies.
Enhancing Public Engagement: Improving public understanding of agricultural practices is crucial for fostering informed decision-making and sustainable behaviors.
Advancing Research and Collaboration: Prioritizing research and building collaborative networks can address knowledge gaps and strengthen our ability to tackle critical issues, particularly in areas like soil health and climate resilience.
This research provides a high level overview of the critical issues facing crop production in agriculture and the food system. By focusing efforts on critical areas such as soil health, climate impacts, and interdisciplinary research, we can more effectively mobilize resources and expertise to meet the challenges of feeding a growing global population while ensuring environmental sustainability. This strategic focus is essential for developing a consistent and coherent vision and understanding amongst agricultural and food system leaders and ensuring the long-term viability of crop production. Please be sure to share your thoughts using the comments below. I've also included the full manuscript if you would like to learn more.
Lamm, K. W., Randall, N. L., & Sherrier, D. J. (2021). Agriculture leaders identify critical issues facing crop production. Agronomy Journal, 113(6), 4444-4454. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20835
Thank you for these effective insights. Great work from all contributors.