Renowned ag expert to speak at BU
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/09/2023 (1113 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Renowned agricultural expert Robert Saik will be speaking about the threat futuristic technology could mean for the agriculture industry and global food security at Brandon University on Sept. 16.
Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine hint at ongoing global supply chain issues that places like western Manitoba must constantly adapt to, says Saik, who was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Most Influential Agriculture Leaders and was named one of the country’s Top 10 Ag Mentors in 2021.
“A core group of farmers will be called on to grow the vast majority of the world’s staple food supply, and while mighty in their ability, they need support from the general public,” Saik stated in a press release sent out by BU yesterday.
Robert Saik, who has 40 years of experience as a professional agrologist, will be giving a talk on technology and agriculture at Brandon University on Sept. 16. (Submitted)
Demographic trends foresee a world population nearing 10 billion people by 2050, which Saik says implies that agriculture must increase production by 60 to 70 per cent, while also becoming infinitely sustainable.
“We know that these challenges bring enormous opportunities for Westman, and we know that Brandon University researchers, alumni and partners can play a big role,” said Carla Eisler, BU’s director of advancement and alumni affairs.
Saik’s talk builds on his Amazon best-selling book “Food 5.0: How We Feed the Future.” He’ll briefly discuss the history of agriculture and then turn to how technology disrupting the industry, pointing to drones, 3D printing and artificial intelligence that is transforming the world’s food production.
Changes from this type of technology are coming sooner than anyone expects, Saik said, and knowing how it will change producers’ ability to provide food to the world is worth pondering.
“This is essential knowledge for communities here in Westman, whether you’re directly involved in ag production, whether you work somewhere that does business with ag and really, for anyone who eats,” Saik said.
The talk, which is part of BU’s inaugural JRC Evans Public Lectureship, is open to the general public and free. It will be held at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at 2 p.m. on Sept. 16.
» mleybourne@brandonsun.com
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