USDA NIFA Advances AI in Agriculture and Food Systems

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into agriculture and the food supply chain. Building on a long history of AI activities, NIFA aims to catalyze efforts that harness the power of AI to revolutionize various aspects of the agricultural industry.

AI activities supported by NIFA advance the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence. These tasks include machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, intelligent decision support systems, autonomous systems, and novel applications in agriculture and food production.

Agricultural Systems and Engineering

NIFA funds research and development in agricultural systems and engineering, where machine learning, remote sensing, satellite imagery, and precision technologies are used for informed crop and soil monitoring. Autonomous robots are being developed to perform labor-intensive tasks like harvesting crops more efficiently than human laborers. Nano-based sensing mechanisms and smart sensors are evaluated for accurate, reliable, and cost-effective detection of pathogens, allergens, chemicals, and contaminants in food, plant, and animal production systems, as well as in water and soil.

Natural Resources and Environment

NIFA supports the use of decision support tools and models to assess and develop new management practices and processes. These tools lead to substantial improvements in soil health, including microbiome, water, nutrients, carbon, and chemicals of environmental concern. They also enhance ecosystem services from agricultural production.

Economics and Rural Communities

AI applications are expanding to assist farm, forest, and ranch managers in decision-making. These applications include scale management strategies and technologies to enhance economic efficiency and sustainability. NIFA examines the contributions and impact of AI on agricultural market structure and performance, international trade, agricultural production and resource use, consumer behavior, food safety, food waste and loss, farm labor and immigration policy, agricultural policy design and impacts, technology development and adoption, and science and innovation policy. Efforts are also directed at creating and examining innovative approaches to advancing economic opportunities for rural entrepreneurs and communities.

AI Funding Opportunities

NIFA offers various funding opportunities through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science program. Subsections of this program that provide funding in AI include Agriculture Systems and Technology, Bioenergy, Natural Resources and Environment, and Agricultural Economics and Rural Community program areas.

The integration of AI in agriculture and food systems is poised to bring significant advancements, from improving crop yields to enhancing soil health and economic efficiency. NIFA's continued support in this area is crucial for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.