A growing challenge: stakeholder perceptions of AI and ML applications in U.S. agriculture
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Context The global population is expected to exceed ten billion by 2050 and food demand is projected to increase by up to 100% in the same timeframe. Agricultural management must adapt to meet the increasing global demands. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies can help the agricultural community respond to these needs. Aims An online survey and follow-up interviews were conducted to examine patterns of use, perceptions, and barriers among early adopting stakeholders regarding AI and ML. Methods The online survey with agricultural stakeholders (n=129) included questions regarding the participants’ views on incorporating AI and ML techniques into farming practices and individual follow-up interviews with agricultural stakeholders (n=10) were conducted to better understand their concerns toward technology use and adoption of AI-enabled tools and technologies. Key results Using a mixed-methods approach, four challenges to establishing AI-/ML-enabled technology in agriculture were identified. Namely, challenges related to (1) systems of systems (SoS), (2) sub-seasonal to seasonal weather (S2S) forecasts, (3) precision soil management, and (4) policy and economics. Each challenge was discussed in the context of recent literature. Conclusion Concerns were voiced clustered around four broad research themes. This brief communication brings the perspective of agricultural stakeholders to the discussion of the potential of AI/ML-enabled technology and the direction of their development in the agricultural sector. Implications Data collected in 2021, establish an important baseline for the early phase of AI/ML use in U.S. agriculture, enabling comparison of future perceptions and developments in the sector. Impact This brief communication describes a survey and follow-up interviews conducted with agricultural stakeholders on factors influencing their willingness and reluctance to incorporate AI and ML techniques into farming practices. The findings, summarized and discussed as four key challenges for AI and ML in the agricultural sector, have the potential to streamline research activities.
Source: Precision Agriculture
Language: English
Topic: Smart Agriculture and AI
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
OpenAlex ID: W7222866367