With 14% of American households struggling to put food on the table, food insecurity is an emotive issue. Yet, the advent of food technology is changing food production to a large extent. The changes in food production influence the social and economic life of people.
The growing population and reducing land are some of the factors that threaten food security. With technology, tracking, analyzing, and understanding the food system has become plausible. Adopting technology in food production will address the issue of food insecurity.
Here are a few ways in which food technology has changed our food production.
1. Agricultural Biotechnology
For the longest time, agricultural biotechnology has influenced food production. With technology, crop growing is possible even in remote and dry places. Satellite farming is one of the technologies that have affected food production.
This technology utilizes satellite imageries and GPS tracking systems to observe yields. As a result, we can check the weather patterns and soil levels to predict a bountiful harvest. Farmers can know the right crops to plant after the observation.
With this technology, people can fight hunger by making a smart agricultural decision. You can know what to plant based on the seasons.
2. GMOs
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) is necessary in reducing cases of food insecurity. To counter food insecurity in the world, GMO is inevitable. Genetic engineering improves the food’s nutrition and makes them resistant to pests.
Genetic modification involves implementing genes from an organism to another. The activity seeks to improve crop-resistance. Plants become resistant to harsh conditions such as drought, diseases, and pests.
GMOs has improved food production and challenged the growing insecurity. There are several laws binding manufacturers on genetic modification. The manufacturers have to ensure that the modified food is safe for consumption.
Genetically produced animals have improved breeding of disease-resistant animals. These new breeds can produce more milk and don’t succumb to extreme weather conditions. The farmers enjoy high production translating to surplus food.
3. Increasing Accountability
It is crucial to practice accountability in food production. The research on food and technology is increasing consumer awareness. Manufacturers are researching on ways to ensure that the food is nutritious and safe.
You have to inform consumers on the ingredients and other issues such as allergens. The consumers in the 21st century have knowledge of food safety. Through research, people get information on key food issues.
The growing technology is demanding accountability from manufacturers. The process of manufacturing should be clear.
4. Improving the Production and Distribution of Perishable Goods
Technology advancement has enhanced the production and accessibility of perishable goods. In this blog post, the role of technology in changing food production is clear. Technology allows foods to get to the shelves faster.
The efficiency in the delivery process favors perishable goods. Producers need to ensure products get to the market on time. The process reduces cases of wastage.
Technology has improved organization and tracking of perishable foods in real-time. With modern technology, it is possible to have an inventory. This ensures the handling and delivery of these foods does not tamper with its shelf life.
5. The Use of Drones as a Form of Food Technology
Agricultural drones have far-reaching transformational effects on food production. Food producers in the agricultural industries use high-tech solutions in their lands. With large areas of farms, farmers don’t need extra satellites or farm hands; drones can work twice as much.
Drones can help with crop-spraying, which has been a burdensome task for farmers. Besides, the harsh chemicals used in crop spraying can affect farmers. There are several drone technologies promoting precision crop spraying.
The sensors in drone technology help to irrigate plants in a vast farm. The drones can help in crop observing and deal with any problem before it is too late. Modern farmers understand how crop-planting using drones have reduced the cost.
6. Tracking Food Waste
Food wastage in the United States is at 40%. With the food insecurity in the country, wasting food is unfathomable. Increasing research on food and technology seeks ways to reduce food wastage.
The right strategies can promote food security worldwide. The producers should have information on how to deal with surplus food. Online resources can provide information on ways to use foods.
Companies use digital sites to sell foods that fail to meet market standards. Some of the wasted foods are safe to consume despite the low standards. The foods should be cheaper to address food insecurity in many regions.
Producers don’t have to discard the ‘imperfect’ produce. They can use substandard fruits to make other foods such as jams. The canned foods can have a longer shelf-life.
Technology is increasing the optimization of logistics and operations. The changes in the supply chain reduce food wastage. With these technologies, there are minimal entry barriers in an industry.
Producers can access the markets to sell their surplus foods.
7. 3D Printing
3D printing is an idea that is revolutionizing food production and innovation. The technology is popular because of prioritizing creativity and sustainability. In simple terms, the technology utilizes additive manufacturing.
The 3D printers deposit material layers to create a product. The printers use powdery materials, nozzles, and lasers. This food technology promotes a balance of nutrients in foods.
3D is saving energy and time and the outcome is perfect. Food sustainability is achievable through 3D regardless of the ever-growing population. While we remain health-conscious of the foods we eat, 3D will make food insecurity a thing of the past.
Producers are embracing the technology to produce more food with less time.
The Growth of Food Technology Has Changed Food Production
Technology is influencing society through increased food production. It is addressing issues of food insecurity and food wastage. Producers are embracing food technology because it promotes massive food production.
In the next few years, food insecurity will reduce because of food technology.
It is important for producers and consumers to research the technologies. The information ensures the safety of the food produced and consumed.
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