UN FAO economist urges safeguards for AI tools used in farming

In short: AI tools are starting to help farmers raise yields and income, but experts warn that without safeguards they could leave small farms further behind.

What's going on

AI, or artificial intelligence (computer systems that learn patterns from data), is being used in farming to give advice on things like pests, irrigation, and prices. A Financial Times opinion column by Máximo Torero, the chief economist at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, says agriculture has big “information gaps”. Many farmers must make expensive, long-term choices with limited guidance, like driving in fog without headlights.

Torero points to early examples where AI appears to help. In India, an AI tool used by more than 30,000 cotton farmers tells them when and how much pesticide to apply in eight Indian languages, and it has been linked to revenue gains of up to 24 percent. Studies also suggest AI can help agricultural advisers, often called extension workers, support more farmers by summarizing and translating information.

At the same time, Torero warns that AI could widen inequality in farming. Large farms are more likely to afford machinery, fast internet, and paid AI services. Smallholders, many of whom farm less than five acres and make up about 85 percent of farms worldwide, may be left out.

He also warns that AI systems can make unfair decisions when used for loans, insurance, or subsidies, especially if farmers lack paperwork like land titles or financial records. Some tools may be biased toward recommending commercial products instead of lower-cost, nature-friendly options.

What to watch

Torero argues that higher-risk AI uses, like credit decisions or tools that affect food safety, should face stricter testing, human oversight, and clear explanations. He also says governments still need to invest in internet access, skills, and advisory services so small farmers can actually use these tools.

Source: Financial Times