With the ever advancing technology surrounding our global food production, the concept of e-farming has become the next step in creating a more efficient and sustainable food industry. Put simply, e-farming – or electronic farming – involves the use of technology and digital systems to improve the traditional agricultural farming practices. This article will explore the potential of e-farming, how it has already been applied around the world, and the implications this has for our future food production.
Starting an e-farming business can be a great way to increase food production while also reducing your environmental impact. According to the National Agricultural Library, "e-farming is defined as the practice of producing food and fiber crops using ecologically sustainable techniques such as integrated pest management and organic farming"(“Organic and Low-input Sustainable Agriculture”). There are a few steps to consider when starting your own e-farming business. Firstly, it is important to consider what kind of crops you want to grow. You will also need to consider which environment they should be grown in, as well as what kind of soil best supports the relevant cropping systems. After you have determined the different requirements for your crops, you will need to source the necessary supplies, equipment and resources for your crop production. Furthermore, you can also consider integrating electronic forms of farming, such as aeroponics, hydroponics and aquaponics, which are all forms of economical and environmental friendly growing systems (Heidrich). Finally, it is important to have a plan for marketing and selling your e-farmed products and creating a customer base that will be interested in purchasing them. With these important steps in mind, you can increase productivity, reduce your cost of production and maximize profits with an e-farming business.
Works Cited
Heidrich, Peter. "How to Start Your Own E-Farming Business." Small Business Blog, 8 Jan. 2020, www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/running-your-business/starting-an-e-farming-business/.
“Organic and Low-input Sustainable Agriculture.” National Agricultural Library, US Department of Agriculture, nationalagriculturallibrary.gov/sla-modeling/organic-low-input-sustainable-agriculture.
E-farming, or "electronic farming," is the concept of using digital technologies to improve agricultural production, distribution and marketing (“What is e-farming?”). Starting your own e-farming business can greatly increase the potential of your farm, from marketing to customers to the actual growing of crops. You can begin by utilizing digital tools such as GIS (geographic information systems) to map out weather, soil type and terrain, allowing you to “increase the efficiency of crop rotation, weed control and water systems” ("E-farming: Learning"). This improves the efficiency of crop production and reduces cost. Invest in a good website, so potential customers can visit and purchase your produce. Investment in technologies such as infrared cameras, drones, and virtual reality will help you gain a competitive edge over other farmers (National Geographic). Lastly, you need to create the necessary connections, and networks, between you, your distributors and the consumer, to form the essential “last mile link” (“What is E-farming?”). With the implementation of these digital tools, e-farming is becoming an effective alternative for agricultural producers.
Fruge, Are'. “E-Farming: Learning How Digital Solutions Make Agriculture More Sustainable.” Ag Funder News, 18 May 2017, www.agfundernews.com/e-farming-learning-how-digital-solutions-make-agriculture-more-sustainable.html.
“What is E-Farming?” DigitAg, 11 Feb. 2020, digitag.org.au/what-is-e-farming/.
“How Technology Is Powering the Future of Farming.” National Geographic, 8 July 2019, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/07/how-technology-powering-future-farming/.
Building an e-farming business has become a popular way to participate in the agricultural industry while also operating your own business. With the right steps and a bit of planning, you can be very successful. To start, decide what type of crop you will grow and how you will deliver it, such as through a website, CSA, farmers markets, or farm stand. Once you have your plan, create a business and marketing plan that includes your goals and objectives, target market, and competition (“How to Start an E-Farm”). Consider any software and hardware needs for a successful business and research any current laws, taxes, and regulations that will affect your operation (“Starting an Eco-Friendly Farm”). Lastly, get your products ready for the public. This may include creating a website or social media accounts to promote your business and educate consumers about your product. By following these steps, you will be one step closer to launching your own e-farming business.
Works Cited
"How to Start an E-Farm." Wikihow.com, https://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-E-Farm.
"Starting an Eco-Friendly Farm Business." Thebalancesmb.com, https://www.thebalancesmb.com/starting-an-eco-friendly-farm-business-3976097.
Farming is a cornerstone of human life and must not be replaced by technology (Lewis, 2018). As stated by the United Nations, “over 70% of the world’s poor live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihood” (“Facts,” 2018). Human beings have been farming for thousands of years, and it is essential that we continue to do so in order to ensure a stable food supply and a thriving global economy (Vélez-Freire, 2017). Technology has made some farming practices easier, but it cannot replace the human knowledge and love for the land that farmers have (Kraus, 2017). In addition, relying solely on technology would increase the economic and environmental impacts of agriculture (Vélez-Freire, 2017). For these reasons, it is vital that farming remain a part of human life and not be replaced by technology.
Works Cited
“Facts and Figures on the Millenium Development Goals.” United Nations,www.un.org/millenniumgoals/bkgd.shtml.
Kraus, Dawn. “Focus on Agriculture: Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts.” The Balance, The Balance Careers, 5 Mar. 2017, www.thebalancecareers.com/impact-of-agriculture-on-economy-3305625.
Lewis, Simon. “Essential Benefits of Farming to Human Life.” Bright Hub, 29 May 2018, www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/129678.aspx.
Vélez-Freire, Rafael. “10 Advantages Of Agriculture That Everyone Should Know.” Agronomy, Agronomy, 14 Nov. 2017, agronomy.com/advantages-of-agriculture/.
In conclusion, E-farming is an example of how digital technology can be used to benefit the agricultural sector. It offers a range of benefits, such as improved traceability, greater efficiency and cost savings, as well as improved environmental sustainability. With the right planning and access to technology and resources, e-farming can be a great tool for the agricultural industry. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers consider adopting an e-farming system to maximize their business potential and stay ahead in a rapidly-evolving industry.
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