Fourth Industrial Revolution in Agriculture

"New research into the Fourth Industrial Revolution has revealed how the Western Cape's agricultural sector can harness water saving technology, drones, genetic development and robotics to develop the industry, contribute to food security and create new jobs in emerging fields. The report, Management Improvement Plan:  the future of the Western Cape Agricultural sector in the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution, studied the potential impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on farming in the Western Cape. This revolution refers to more than just the development and use of digital technologies, but how these interact across the digital and physical realms.

The report groups its recommendations under five key themes:

1) That the Agri-renaissance is embraced as the desired end state.  It recommends that the department, together with tertiary institutions, work to develop curricula to include theory and skills relating to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

2) Increased engagement with the rising influence of consumers. In the future, consumers will want to know more about the source, and nutritional value of their food. Consumers are increasingly concerned about ethical farming practices, and scope for the development of environmentally friendly packaging, as well as freshness indicators on packaging currently exists.

3) Acceleration of technology adoption in agriculture. The report suggests making technology more available and affordable especially to small scale farmers through sharing schemes, financing and other opportunities to ensure that a "digital divide" does not develop.

4) The important role of smallholder commercial farming development. The report recommends that the provincial government, together with financial institutions, develop financing schemes targeting smallholder farmers. It also recommends that the Department, working with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, should facilitate access to title deeds or other forms of collateral.

5) Re-position the agricultural sector's brand for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in order to attract and retain talent and develop agricultural entrepreneurs."