New report urges policy support as AI adoption expands on farms
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), based on the peer-reviewed report AI in Agriculture: Transforming the Food System from Data to Decisions to Action, has released a brief authored by Alex Thomasson, Professor and Director of the Agricultural Autonomy Institute at Mississippi State University.
The report shows that artificial intelligence is no longer a technology reserved for research laboratories. Across the United States, AI is becoming an important part of everyday agricultural operations, helping farmers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make better decisions.
The newly released policy brief examines how AI is transforming agriculture from crop production to food processing. The report highlights the growing role of advanced technologies across the food system while stressing that government policies must evolve to support continued innovation.
Researchers found that AI is already being used throughout farming and food production. Modern systems help growers analyze field conditions, monitor crop health, improve livestock management, and optimize equipment performance. These tools can increase productivity while reducing the use of water, fertilizers, and other resources.
The report notes that AI is rapidly moving beyond data analysis. New technologies are enabling machines to perform physical tasks with little human intervention. Autonomous tractors, robotic weed control systems, and smart equipment are becoming more common as technology advances.
Experts describe this trend as the rise of physical AI. These systems can collect information, make decisions, and take action in real-world farming environments. As adoption grows, automated technologies are expected to play a larger role in improving farm efficiency and addressing labor challenges.
Another major finding centers on the importance of data. AI systems rely on accurate information gathered from machinery, sensors, drones, and satellites. High-quality data allows these systems to deliver reliable recommendations and improve performance.
Because of this dependence on data, rural broadband infrastructure remains a critical issue. Many agricultural technologies require strong internet connections to operate effectively. Improved connectivity could help farmers access more advanced digital tools and expand AI adoption across rural communities.
The report also highlights how AI is being used throughout the entire food supply chain. Applications range from seed development and crop management to food processing and safety inspections. Technology is helping companies monitor quality standards, detect problems earlier, and reduce waste.
"Artificial intelligence has advanced so fast that it's not really just a research tool anymore; it's embedded in agricultural practice now," said Thomasson. "From autonomous weed spraying to AI-assisted seed selection to real-time food safety inspection on processing lines, the technology is already changing how farmers work, how food moves through the system, and what we expect from that system. The policy conversation needs to catch up."
While the opportunities are significant, researchers emphasize that policy support is essential. Investments in research, broadband expansion, workforce training, and data management policies could help ensure agriculture fully benefits from AI innovation.
Workforce development is particularly important as the industry adopts more sophisticated technologies. Future agricultural workers will need skills related to data analysis, software management, and advanced equipment operation. Educational programs and training initiatives can help prepare the next generation.
Questions about data ownership and privacy are also becoming increasingly important. Clear guidelines can help farmers understand how information is collected, used, and protected while encouraging confidence in new technologies.
"CAST exists to translate agricultural science into policy-relevant guidance, and AI in agriculture is exactly the kind of complex, fast-moving topic where evidence-based analysis matters most," said Chris Boomsma, Executive Director of CAST.
"This brief gives Congress and federal agencies the scientific foundation they need to make smart decisions right now, not after the technology has outpaced the regulatory environment entirely."
Industry experts believe AI has the potential to improve sustainability, strengthen food security, and boost agricultural productivity. However, achieving these benefits will require collaboration among policymakers, researchers, technology developers, and producers.
As AI continues to evolve, its influence on agriculture is expected to increase. From autonomous machinery to improved food safety systems, technology is creating new opportunities that could reshape farming for decades to come. With proper infrastructure and policy support, AI may become one of the most important drivers of agricultural innovation in the future.
CAST will host a free Sept. 14 webinar on the report's findings. Registration is available through CAST's webinar page.
Photo Credit: Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)