The issue of how to feed a growing population is a crucial issue for the 21st century. The issue was high on the agenda (当务之急) at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt. According to the UN, by 2050, we will need to produce 60% more food to feed a world population of 9.3 billion.
Cambridge Judge Business School supports a number of businesses which aim to promote sustainable agriculture practices. One of the most important fields is precision (精准) agriculture, the science of improving crop yields and assisting management decisions using the latest technology. Outfield Technologies is targeted at high value fruit farming. Farmers buy their own drones (无人机), and then the Outfield software creates flight plans over the farm and processes the images taken by the drones.
By counting the fruit on branches and measuring trees, farmers can see where to apply fertiliser with greater precision, reducing usage and improving soil sustainability. Outfield’s software can also recommend where to start harvesting to reduce waste and labour costs. The rising cost of labour globally has become a huge issue within the agricultural industry, for reasons including the shortage of backpackers (some of whom become seasonal workers) in New Zealand, and the rise of minimum pay in South Africa.
The data gathered by drones can also predict yields. “Priming” the supply chain ensures a smoother journey from the farm to fruit bowl in your home. When an apple is picked, it is stored in a refrigerated environment for up to six months before being transported to a pack house to be washed, sorted, packaged, before being moved to a delivery centre and finally appearing on supermarket shelves. The chain depends heavily on transportation, but by predicting yields, Outfield aims to reduce waste as traders can predict fruit levels and reduce greenhouse gases caused by refrigerated storage.
Outfield co-founder Oil Hilbourne said, “The agricultural industry needs more investment to change. More money for 5G, education and investment in start-ups.”
【小题1】What does Outfield Technologies do for farmers?| A．It offers them free flights. |
| B．It oversees farms for them. |
| C．It teaches them about high value fruits. |
| D．It uses drone-taken images to advertise farms. |
| A．Pay in South Africa is very low. |
| B．South Africa can’t agree on minimum pay. |
| C．Backpackers in New Zealand fail to get paid fairly. |
| D．New Zealand isn’t drawing enough seasonal workers. |
| A．boost the yield of fruit | B．make sure the fruit can keep fresh |
| C．ensure the fruits are transported timely | D．provide more convenient services to customers |
| A．The future of farming | B．The trend of fruit picking |
| C．The promising market of high value fruits | D．The positive effects of farming on environment |
