b"TAKEAWAY: Although AI will never fully replace thelights the need for uniformity in seed testing methodologies expertise of seasoned agronomists, it complementsworldwide, ensuring reproducible and repeatable results across their capabilities and enhances overall productivity.laboratories. The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) plays a crucial role in promoting this standardization and col-Simplify Farm Size Expansion laboration among its global members.For Boychyn, the notion of efficiency in agronomy is a pivotalThe agricultural sector has already witnessed significant topic that has sparked fascinating discussions. As farm sizesadvancements through precision seeding and drone technology, continue to expand, there is growing interest in understandingmonitoring diseases and weeds. She finds these applications how AI can drive advancements in the agricultural sector. Theparticularly intriguing and relevant to the seed industry.potential benefits that AI holds for the industry are impressive,Rather than placing stringent control over AI itself, there and its application in agronomy decision-making is particularlyshould be a focus on ensuring accessibility and a level playing compelling. field for all laboratories. The success of AI implementation relies One of the key challenges that agronomists face is theon its availability to both large and small labs, regardless of complexity of decision-making as far as crop managementtheir scale or resources. strategies go.Foster suggests that a universally accepted accreditation All these variables interact with one another, forming ansystem is crucial for the acceptance and widespread adoption of intricate web that complicates the decision-making process.AI technology in seed testing.Here is where AI can shine, by efficiently distilling vastGovernment bodies, such as the Canadian Food Inspection amounts of data into more digestible pieces of information.Agency, are actively involved in exploring the regulatory aspects This empowers agronomists to make quicker, more precise, andof AI. The goal is to establish an accreditation framework that farm-specific decisions with greater confidence, says Boychyn. fosters a harmonized approach, allowing seamless integration However, as we embrace the benefits of AI in agronomy,and acceptance of AI-powered solutions in seed testing labora-its essential to address potential implications. For instance,tories worldwide. the adoption of AI technologies might inadvertently impact the demographics of farms. Large-scale farms, benefiting fromTAKEAWAY: With cooperation and collaboration among economies of scale, are more likely to reap rewards from AIvarious stakeholders, AI's potential in the seed industry implementation compared to smaller farms. This could leadcan be harnessed effectively, ushering in a new era of to a perpetuation of the trend toward larger farms, potentiallyefficiency and innovation.disadvantaging smaller-scale operations.TAKEAWAY: Farmers who possess the resources andPOLLSknowledge to integrate AI into their operations will have a competitive advantage over others. Therefore,Which emerging AI technology do you think will have the most it becomes essential to ensure equitable access totransformative effect on the seed retail sector? AI technology across all farm sizes and geographical25% 75%regions.Expect Regulatory Changes Concerning AIWhile AI can potentially help eliminate biases in decision- Machine learning algorithmsComputer vision for seed quality inspectionmaking, its crucial to consider the broader implications of itsfor breeding & selectionadoption. Open and transparent discussions are necessary to understand how AI can be integrated responsibly into the agri-culture industry, fostering a thriving and equitable landscape for all farmers. As Foster weighed in on the topic of AI regulation, she brought a unique perspective to the table. She acknowledgesWatch our full-length webinar on AI and its uses:the transformative potential of AI in the industry and high- germination.ca/AI-webinarSUPPORTED BY: ENDORSED BY:42GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2023"