Speculations about Generative AI (GenAI)’s potential to transform the AI and machine learning (ML) verticals are echoing throughout the agri-food industry.
As these large language models (LLMs) advance, they are predicted to fundamentally alter segments including precision agriculture, robotics, genetics, and crop inputs.
While questions about the necessary infrastructure, skills, and data must be answered, the first step in catalyzing LLMs is to define where and how GenAI can drive progress in agriculture and food.
As the premier platform for leaders to address shared industry challenges, the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco will connect the most influential stakeholders from across the globe to learn from AI case studies and develop tangible GenAI use cases.
World Agri-Tech San Francisco will host a dedicated pre-summit ‘AI in Agriculture Forum’ on March 10, before its main program commences on March 11 and 12. The forum will strive to answer high-level questions on scaling hardware and software, developing data sets, and putting safeguards in place – all while analyzing specific supply chain examples.
With a focus on breakthrough technologies, the forum will foster dialogue among innovators, investors, and industry experts, empowering participants to harness AI and GenAI’s transformative power and lead the next wave of agricultural advancements.
AI’s impacts on agriculture
The global market for AI in sustainable agriculture is projected to reach $11.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 25.5% from 2020 to 2027.¹ AI has changed the agricultural landscape in recent years, offering tools and systems that elevate efficiency, optimize resource use, and maximize productivity across the supply chain:
Precision agriculture AI systems use field, satellite, and drone data to improve yields and reduce resource waste.² The European Union’s Joint Research Centre, for example, found that AI-powered variable rate application can reduce fertilizer use by up to 35% and herbicide use by up to 70% without compromising crop yields.
A 2020 case study of Xarvio’s (BASF subsidiary) AI-driven variable rate application system used on a 2,000-acre farm in Iowa illustrates how it analyzed high-resolution soil data and crop health indicators to create precise input application maps. The farm reduced its overall chemical use by 28%, resulting in cost savings of $45 per acre and a 15% reduction in nutrient runoff into nearby water bodies.¹
Farm robotics and automation AI-driven robots can streamline processes like weeding, harvesting, and planting, addressing labor shortages and enhancing efficiency. A 2024 case study of Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder implemented on Braga Fresh (30,000-acres) and Triangle Farms (10,000-acres, part of JVSmith Company), for instance, shows how these technologies can cut weeding costs by up to 40%.³
Genetics AI tools are widely used to evaluate large genomic data sets of plants to identify the optimal target site for gene editing, predict precise outcomes with minimum off-targets, and design efficient gRNAs.⁴⁻⁵ Pairwise, for example, utilizes the Nobel Prize-winning scientific advance invented in 2011 – CRISPR technology – to hone in on a specified location in the genome, make precise changes in the DNA sequence, and deliver desirable crop characteristics such as those linked to consumer needs and disease or climate resilience.⁶⁻⁸
As AI’s prominence in agriculture grows, it will be crucial to draw learnings from case studies to influence future direction and understand the potentially transformative role of GenAI.
GenAI’s potential in agriculture
The GenAI in agriculture market was valued at $170 million in 2023. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 30% between 2024 and 2033, likely reaching $2,195 million by the end of the forecast period.⁹ As the market grows and GenAI tools advance, they are predicted to enable unprecedented innovation across the global agri-food supply chain.
Although GenAI in agriculture is a market in its infancy, use cases are starting to emerge. Companies like Syngenta, FBN, and AGRIVI are, for example, starting to utilize GenAI for digital advisory systems to support agronomists and enable data-driven, real-time decision-making on farms.¹⁰⁻¹²
Meanwhile, in the field of crop inputs, some believe LLMs have the potential to influence the discovery process, supporting the identification of new modes of action and development of products with high efficacy and stability.
As the agri-food innovation ecosystem races to define and realize the endless number of speculated use cases, it must come together to understand and address the barriers and risks threatening progress.
World Agri-Tech San Francisco: Uniting industry stakeholders
Every year, the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco gathers thousands of global agri-food leaders from agribusinesses, technology giants, OEMs, food brands, farmers, farming co-operatives, policymakers, investors, and start-ups to discuss the most pressing industry challenges, scale innovation and create value in the sector.
Now in its thirteenth year, the 2025 program features a high-level speaking faculty focusing on tangible developments, case studies, and commercialization pathways as they discuss supply chain decarbonization, seed-shelf AI, robotics and automation, next-gen breeding, green and biological inputs, new finance and insurance models, and income diversification strategies.
Alongside a two-day program of insightful plenaries and keynote addresses, the summit welcomes back the Start-Up Arena spotlighting the hottest early and growth stage agri-tech companies.
Preparing for the AI revolution from seed to shelf
As the use and impact of AI and GenAI in agriculture grow, World Agri-Tech San Francisco will host a dedicated pre-summit ‘AI in Agriculture Forum’ on March 10 to analyze AI case studies and determine tangible GenAI use cases.
From crop input discovery and genetic technology advancements to new agronomic advisory models, senior AI leaders will provide in-depth analysis and strategic insights to incorporate LLMs into workflows, drive R&D, and ultimately, create lasting value.
Speakers include Jerry Chen (Head of Global Business Development, Manufacturing & Industrials, Nvidia), Daniel Ferrante (Partner, Deloitte), Jason Bull (CTO, Benson Hill), Erik Andrejko (VP Software Engineering, Ohalo), Rikin Gandhi (CEO, Digital Green), and Haven Baker (Co-Founder Pairwise and AgTech Consultant).
Agri-food leaders take centre stage
Taking place on March 11-12, the main program features C-level agri-food leaders as they tackle pressing industry challenges.
The panel ‘AI-Enabled Agriculture: Embracing AI and GenAI in Everyday Practices’ on the morning of Day One will interrogate questions on infrastructure, skills and human capital, data quality, economics, and security risks surrounding the implementation of AI and GenAI.
Debra King (CTO, Bunge), Elizabeth Fastiggi (Head of Worldwide Business Development, Agriculture, AWS), Ranveer Chandra (CTO Agri-Food & General Manager M365 Copilot, Microsoft) and Brad Drake (EVP & COO, Growmark) will discuss how to scale hardware and software, how businesses are building capacity internally, how to build golden data sets, how to better understand the zone of interest and chain of thought reasoning of LLMs, and what IP and data privacy considerations must remain at the forefront.
Spotlighting breakthrough start-ups
World Agri-Tech is a crucial platform for emerging start-ups, scale-ups and accelerators that want to connect with a global network of farmers, innovators, researchers, industry leaders, governments, and investors.
The Start-Up Arena offers the opportunity to unique companies showcase their ground-breaking innovations and success stories, driving transformative solutions to pressing challenges.
Already confirmed to feature in the Start-Up Arena in March, Numanac is building an AI-powered command center for farming, uniting semantic search and agentic solutions to deliver actionable insights and simplify farm management for farmers and their support organizations.
Be part of the conversation in San Francisco
AI and GenAI have the potential to transform food production in line with environmental and economic objectives, but safeguards must be put in place to minimize risks and trade-offs.
To drive progress, it will be vital for the innovation ecosystem to learn from existing trials and programs, understand today’s capabilities, streamline the implementation process, and evaluate outcomes in relation to business and industry-wide goals.
Connect with 2,500 C-level agri-food leaders at World Agri-Tech San Francisco to address the shared opportunities and challenges LLMs bring for your business, the industry, and food security globally.
Register now before Early Bird pricing ends on January 23, helping you save $500 on your summit pass. Use the code AGTECH10 for an extra 10% off on top.
References
1. Basa, R.; et al. AI in Agriculture : Revolutionizing Precision Farming and Sustainable Crop Management. International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology. (2024). 10(5):535-543.
2. Mutumba, P.; et al. Artificial Intelligence in Precision Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Yields. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science (ROJBAS). (2024). 3(2):13-17.
3. Western Growers. Case Studies.
4. Convergence of CRISPR with Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Rise of Intelligent Gene Editing in Plants. Frontiers in Genome Editing. To be published 2025.
5. Farooq, M.; et al. Artificial intelligence in plant breeding. Trends in Genetics. (2024). Volume 40, Issue 10. Pages 891-908.
6. Pairwise. CRISPR Products, Realized.
7. AgTechNavigator. Gene editing company Pairwise unveils ‘world’s first’ seedless blackberry.
8. World Economic Forum. 5 ways CRISPR gene editing is shaping the future of food and health.
9. Market Research. Generative AI In Agriculture Market By Technology Analysis(Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Predictive Analytics), By Application (Precision Farming, Livestock Management, Drone analytics, Labor Management, Other Applications), By Region And Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends And Forecast 2023-2033.
10. Syngenta Group. Syngenta Group adds Cutting-Edge Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to Cropwise.
11. FBN. Prompting 101 Tips with Norm, the AI Advisor.
12. AGRIVI. What is a White-labeled AI Agronomic Advisor and How Does it Help You Achieve Business Goals?