AgTech that doesn’t cost the Earth: Creating sustainable, ethical and effective agricultural technology that enhances its social and ecological contexts

To feed the growing human population we require increased food production and security, while using less land and causing less environmental damage. Significant changes in agriculture are needed to meet these demands. One widely touted solution is smart, Al-enhanced Agricultural Technology. In this article we argue that improved technology is insufficient to address the needs of many farmers, but that by taking a whole-of-system approach native to Artificial Life we can shift towards creating sustainable, ethical and effective AgTech. This can innovate industrial agriculture in developed nations and benefit small landholders from vulnerable communities, whilst reducing the environmental impacts of food production globally.