The food industry has grown substantially over the past few decades. Where individuals used to visit their local grocer for fresh fruits and vegetables, they now have the choice of several supermarkets in every town, not to mention online shopping and even same day delivery. The food market has boomed and, as a result, consumers now expect more variety and higher quality products—all at lower prices. To keep up with these demands, the food industry has turned to the use of AI and Big Data to analyze and optimize each stage of the production process, including at the very start of the supply chain where raw ingredients are grown in the field.
The food supply value chain is vast, stretching from the sewn seed through to stores and supermarkets. Big Data is often utilized from the very first stage of food production—considered the growing stage—to aid in fertilization, irrigation and crop disease management processes. However, the uses and benefits of this data extend far beyond just these elements—and far beyond the farmers’ field.