Future Of Agriculture Research Articles

Do China's Agricultural Futures Overreact to U.S. Futures Markets Returns? Evidence From Soybean and Corn Futures

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the characteristics of traders' overreaction behaviour in China's soybean and corn futures markets to the overnight performance of U.S. futures markets and examines the impacts of the night trading policy on such overreaction behaviour. Our results reveal that traders in China generally overreact to U.S. markets' performance, but the overreaction diminishes when traders have enough time to calm their emotions. We also find that the introduction of night trading implemented by China's futures exchanges significantly reduces daytime overreaction because the extension of trading hours ensures that unexpected information is promptly reflected during night trading sessions. The proposed trading strategy of exploiting the overreaction generates considerable profits. However, it has not worked since the introduction of night trading, which further confirms the policy effect of night trading. Our study provides valuable guidance for futures exchanges seeking to monitor overreaction behaviour and formulate policies to target such behaviour.

Rational Redomestication for Future Agriculture.

Modern agricultural practices rely on high-input, intensive cultivation of a few crop varieties with limited diversity, increasing the vulnerability of our agricultural systems to biotic and abiotic stresses and the effects of climate changes. This necessitates a paradigm shift toward a more sustainable agricultural model to ensure a stable and dependable food supply for the burgeoning global population. Leveraging knowledge from crop biology, genetics, and genomics, alongside state-of-the-art biotechnologies, rational redomestication has emerged as a targeted and knowledge-driven approach to crop innovation. This strategy aims to broaden the range of species available for agriculture, restore lost genetic diversity, and further improve existing domesticated crops. We summarize how diverse plants can be exploited in rational redomestication endeavors, including wild species, underutilized plants, and domesticated crops. Equipped with rational redomestication approaches, we propose different strategies to empower the fast and slow breeding systems distinguished by plant reproduction systems.

Silver Nanoparticles Help Plants Grow, Alleviate Stresses, and Fight Against Pathogens

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained importance in agriculture in recent years thanks to their unique characteristics, including their antimicrobial capacity and their ability to promote plant growth. Due to these attributes, AgNPs are considered a promising solution for the future of agriculture, offering significant potential to address the challenges the sector confronts currently. However, it is important to adjust the application conditions, depending on the target and the crop used, to improve AgNP treatment efficiency. This review compiles recent advances in the use of AgNPs for crop production, both in and ex vitro. AgNPs promote growth and alleviate biotic and abiotic stresses through different ex vitro application methods. They are also efficiently used in vitro to improve plant culture and pathogen elimination. In addition, the safety and toxicity associated with their use are discussed. AgNPs are a novel tool with great potential for the agricultural sector, but it is still necessary to continue researching the mechanisms of AgNP action in order to optimize their application in each specific case.

Fine-tuning gibberellin improves rice alkali-thermal tolerance and yield.

Soil alkalinization and global warming are predicted to pose major challenges to agriculture in the future, as they continue to accelerate, markedly reducing global arable land and crop yields1,2. Therefore, strategies for future agriculture are needed to further improve globally cultivated, relatively high-yielding Green Revolution varieties (GRVs) derived from the SEMIDWARF1 (SD1) gene3,4. Here we propose that precise regulation of the phytohormone gibberellin (GA) to optimal levels is the key to not only confer alkali-thermal tolerance to GRVs, but also to further enhance their yield. Endogenous modulation of ALKALI-THERMAL TOLERANCE 1/2(ATT1/2), quantitative trait loci encoding GA20-oxidases or exogenous application of GA minimized rice yield loss affected by sodic soils. Mechanistically, high GA concentrations induce reactive oxygen species over-accumulation, whereas low GA concentrations repress the expression ofstress-tolerance genes by means of DELLA-NGR5-mediated H3K27me3 methylation. We further showed that ATT1 induces large fluctuations in GA levels, whereas ATT2 is the ideal candidate for fine-tuning GA concentrations to appropriate levels to balance reactive oxygen species and H3K27me3 methylation to improve alkali-thermal tolerance and yield. Thus, ATT2 is expected to be a potential new post-Green Revolution gene that could be harnessed to develop and use marginal lands for sustainable agriculture in the future.

Climate Change and Agricultural Nitrogen Losses: A Review of Mitigating Strategies for Soil, Water, and Environmental Protection

Climate change presents considerable challenges to agricultural systems, particularly regarding nitrogen (N) dynamics within ecosystems. While nitrogen is crucial for plant growth, its overuse in agriculture results in environmental issues such as water pollution, soil degradation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This review summarizes current understanding of the interactions between climate change and agricultural nitrogen losses, emphasizing their implications for soil, water, and environmental quality. We explore various strategies to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) while minimizing environmental losses. These strategies include adopting precision agriculture techniques, using cover crops and crop rotation, implementing controlled-release fertilizers, and integrating agro ecological practices. We also discuss the importance of policy frameworks and farmer education in promoting sustainable nitrogen management. By addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of effective practices that can protect soil health, safeguard water resources, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural future. Through coordinated efforts among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, we can reduce nitrogen losses and enhance the sustainability of agricultural systems in a changing climate.

Smart Practices in Modern Dairy Farming in Bangladesh: Integrating Technological Transformations for Sustainable Responsibility

The current Bangladeshi dairy sector faces many problems related to sustainability indicators from economic, social, and environmental perspectives. In this circumstance, they must combine cutting-edge innovation to overcome growing sustainability concerns and technical revolutions to become smart farms. This study analyzes how dairy farmers might use cutting-edge technologies in their dairy sub-processes to determine the benefits of achieving additional productivity and efficiency. This paper examines precision livestock farming, information analytics, and alternative energy sources to reduce environmental hazards and increase resource efficiency. Using cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics (RPA), Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, system dynamics, and simulation modeling can assist the farmers in improving the results. Analyzing developing country case studies and best practices reveals crucial answers for reconciling sustainability stewardship and operational efficiency. The system dynamics method builds a simulation model and finds the projected results before implementing it in real life. The findings provide considerable waste reduction and productivity gains through technological deployments. The simulation model creates two scenarios of ‘current’ and ‘technology-adopted’ processes to examine the transformational benefits of sustainable practices. A case study method was adopted for this technology deployment to organize a comprehensive strategy that blends technology and sustainability. This study ends with recommendations for dairy farmers and policymakers to create a resilient and environmentally friendly dairy operation to secure the dairy sector’s long-term viability in transforming technologies. Future farms can follow the practical, technical, and policy, as well as recommendations to improve their processes, such as smart farm concepts available in academia and dairy-developed countries.

Agribusiness in the UAE: Challenges and Technological Advancements, A Review

This review comprehensively analyses the agribusiness landscape in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting the challenges and strategic responses that shape the sector. The UAE’s agribusiness is pivotal for economic diversification and reducing oil dependency. However, it faces significant obstacles due to the harsh desert climate, limited arable land, and freshwater scarcity. Soil salinity and water constraints necessitate innovative agricultural practices. Technological innovations such as vertical farming and hydroponics, alongside government initiatives like the ‘National Food Security Strategy 2051’, are crucial for sustainable agriculture. The paper examined the UAE’s reliance on food imports and the associated risks, including supply chain disruptions and market volatility. It outlines resilience strategies such as crop diversification, supply chain improvements, and continuous innovation. Through case studies of pioneering enterprises like Pure Harvest Smart Farms and Al Dahra, the paper showcases successful applications of climate-resilient crops and advanced farming techniques. These firms demonstrate the potential for successful agribusiness despite environmental challenges. The paper concludes that addressing these challenges is vital for the UAE’s food security, ensuring a stable food supply, and supporting a diversified, sustainable economy. Investment in AgriTech, research, innovation, and strategic policy implementation are key to the future of agriculture in the UAE.

Smart Farming Revolution: AI-Powered Solutions for Sustainable Growth and Profit

The agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including resource scarcity climate change and economic sustainable concerns. But the opportunities for transforming through artificial intelligence (AI) are immense, enabling optimized resource utilization, higher crop yield, and reduced waste. As the world progresses toward addressing global food security, AI offers a potent answer to bridge the gap between sustainable agriculture and economic viability. The roles of AI driving tools in sustainable farming, and the implications for cost and benefit, are assessed in this study to see how they may ultimately help to more efficiently invest in smallholder and large scale farming. It analyzed AI applications such as accuracy agriculture, predictive analytics and automated decision making systems to show how AI can revolutionize agriculture. They found that AI tools also increase the efficiency with which resources are put to use, reduce environmental impact and enable farming to be profitable, which are all forces for sustainable agriculture in the years ahead. Furthermore, the use of AI solutions encourages innovation in farming processes, opening up possibilities for a better and greener agricultural future.

Developing an Agricultural Futures Framework to explore the option space for agricultural change in Europe under alternative value perspectives

Developing an Agricultural Futures Framework to explore the option space for agricultural change in Europe under alternative value perspectives

Failure of the farm bill process in 2023—a perspective from social media activity

Abstract In September 2023, the current farm bill was allowed to expire. This marked the fourth consecutive farm bill to see its authorization lapse before replacement legislation was signed into law. The failure in 2023 is notable as significant trade and covid shocks revealed needed reforms in farm and food safety nets. We develop a unique online and social media dataset and metrics to examine 2023 online activity to understand drivers of online farm bill discussion and implications for the future of the traditional farm bill political coalition. These findings echo the increasing concern about future farm bills amid a broadening political divide.

The PEBP genes FLOWERING LOCUS T and TERMINAL FLOWER 1 modulate seed dormancy and size.

The phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) family members FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1) are major regulators of plant reproduction. In Arabidopsis, the FT/TFL1 balance defines the timing of floral transition and the determination of inflorescence meristem identity. However, emerging studies have elucidated a plethora of previously unknown functions for these genes in various physiological processes. Here, we characterized potential roles in seed size and dormancy of FT and TFL1 in Arabidopsis thaliana using CRISPR mutants and reporter analysis. Our findings unveiled a role for TFL1 in seed dormancy while confirming the role of FT in regulating this trait. We showed that the interplay between these two genes in seed dormancy is antagonistic, mirroring their roles in flowering time and inflorescence architecture. Analysis of reporter lines demonstrated that FT and TFL1 are partly co-expressed in seeds. Finally, we showed that total seed yield is affected in these mutants. Together, our results highlight the versatility of these two genes beyond their canonical functions. The impact of FT and TFL1 on seed characteristics emphasizes the significance of approaching gene studies from various perspectives, enabling the identification of multifaceted molecular factors that could play a major role in shaping the future of agriculture.

The Determinants of Marginal Convenience Yield in Agricultural Commodity Markets

AbstractWe report a significant downward trend in the convenience yield for holding physical inventory in agricultural commodity futures markets, attributing this negative trend to speculative demand shocks, which in turn, leads in decreasing agricultural convenience yields. Moreover, agricultural convenience yields appear negative on average during the recent financialization (of commodities) period. We additionally show that the response of agricultural convenience yields to commodity price uncertainty and supply shocks is much less pronounced in magnitude and persistence compared to that of hedging demand shocks. Overall, our analysis verifies the Keynesian theory of normal backwardation by showing a long‐lasting positive response of agricultural convenience yields to a hedging demand shock, thereby leaving the hedging demand as the most significant factor explaining the less frequently observed backwardations in agricultural futures markets.

Assessing the impacts of stakeholder involvement in long-term agricultural experiments via a case study in the upper US Midwest.

Agricultural researchers are increasingly encouraged to engage with stakeholders to improve the usefulness of their projects, but iterative research on the design and assessment of stakeholder engagement is scarce. The USDA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network recognizes the importance of effective engagement in increasing the utility of information and technologies for future agriculture. Diverse stakeholders and researchers at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) LTAR site co-designed the KBS LTAR Aspirational Cropping System Experiment, a process that provides a testing ground and interdisciplinary collaborations to develop theory-driven assessment protocols for continuous stakeholder engagement. Informed by prior work, we designed an assessment protocol that aims to measure participant preferences, experiences, and perceived benefits at various stages of this long-term project. Two online surveys were conducted in 2021 and 2022 among participants of LTAR engagement events at KBS, using a pre-post design, resulting in 125 total responses. Survey respondents had positive perceptions of the collaboratively designed research experiment. They had a strong expectation that the research would generate conservation and environmental advances while also informing policy and programs. Respondents also indicated a desire to network with other stakeholders. The research team noted the significant role of a long-term stakeholder engagement specialist in inviting participants from diverse backgrounds and creating an open and engaging experience. Overall, results highlight an interdisciplinary path of intentional and iterative engagement and evaluation to build a program that is adaptive and responsive to stakeholder needs.

Hidden Hunger in the Age of Abundance: The Nutritional Pitfalls of Modern Staple Crops.

Hidden hunger, characterized by micronutrient deficiencies despite adequate caloric intake, affects over 2 billion people globally, primarily due to deficits in iron, vitamin A, and iodine. This phenomenon underscores a critical paradox in global food security: the Green Revolution, which significantly increased crop production through high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of staple crops, has simultaneously contributed to widespread nutritional deficiencies. This article examines the dual legacy of the Green Revolution, exploring how its emphasis on yield over nutritional quality has led to decreased concentrations of essential micronutrients in staple crops, exacerbating hidden hunger. The extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, while boosting crop yields, has resulted in environmental degradation and economic burdens for smallholder farmers. Additionally, the shift towards dietary monoculture has reduced agricultural biodiversity and increased the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases. Through diverse case studies from India, Zambia, Guatemala, the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, and Ethiopia, this article illustrates various strategies to combat hidden hunger, including biofortification, multisectoral approaches, and sustainable agricultural practices. This article highlights the necessity for a multifaceted approach that integrates improved agricultural practices, dietary diversity, and supportive policies to enhance food security and public health. By addressing both caloric and nutritional needs, this comprehensive strategy aims to build resilient food systems that ensure a sustainable agricultural future.

Advancing in orphan crops through innovative breeding methods and genomic approaches: Current research and future challenges

Orphan crops play an important role in global food and nutrition security, and may have the potential to contribute to sustainable food systems under stress conditions. Despite their huge importance for present and future agriculture, orphan crops have generally received little attention from the global scientific community. Due to this, they produce inferior yields in terms of both quantity and quality. Orphan crops are part of all food kinds including root and tuber crops, legumes, cereals, and vegetables as major crops. Orphan crops can provide essential nutrients to worldwide diets, help economic growth in the global poorest places, and strengthen the entire agri-food industry’s resistance against both abiotic and biotic challenges. Producer’s plant landraces are obtained and exchanged through a disorganized market system, and little scientific effort has been devoted to orphan crops. Breeding and investigation may be accelerated by using speed breeding technique that reduces plant production times, helping to meet ever-increasing needs. The present review highlights the ongoing efforts and future possibilities for accelerating the breeding of orphan crops, as well as divergent genomic approaches for deploying speed breeding in low-resource areas throughout the world.

Exploring the link between soil health and crop productivity.

Understanding the complex interactions of plants and soils in the face of global food security and environmental degradation challenges is critical to the future of sustainable agriculture. This review discusses the important link between soil health and crop productivity by providing and comprehensive assessment of soil properties and management methods. By examining the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, it uncovers the key limitations posed by the soil environment on crop growth. The review highlights how soil texture, nutrient availability, and moisture levels directly impact on root growth, water uptake, and nutrient use efficiencies, while also exploring how diverse cropping systems enhance soil ecology and biodiversity. By utilizing state-of-the-art bioinformatics, we offer an in-depth exploration of rhizosphere microbial communities, emphasizing the functions of phosphate-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in promoting vital nutrient cycles. The potential of using microbial fertilizers to increase crop resistance to disease and stress hold a major premise for future sustainability in agriculture. In this regard, this review highlights the long-term impacts of crop cultivation on soil microbial diversity, revealing intricate selection processes between crops and their microbial partners in shaping crop-soil-microbe interactions. In terms of soil management, practical nutrient management strategies are proposed based on soil testing, emphasizing the benefits of organic farming and conservation tillage for soil health. Modern precision agricultural tools and remote sensing technologies are encouraged to be refined for effective nutrient management. At the policy level, we evaluate international guidelines aimed at fostering agricultural sustainability, suggesting new research pathways for crop-soil dynamics and offering approaches for developing soil health indicators in the face of global environmental challenges.

Farm households’ social and economic needs and the future of agriculture: introduction to the symposium

Farm households’ social and economic needs and the future of agriculture: introduction to the symposium

Advancements in sunflower genomics: Navigating the Biotech revolution for crop improvement

Sunflowers are a staple crop in global agriculture, with significant production in temperate and semi-arid climates. The cultivated sunflower is notable for its diverse chromosomal configurations and its historical cultivation by Native American tribes. Recent advancements in sunflower genomics have revealed a complex and extensive genome, offering insights into traits critical for breeding, such as oil content, disease resistance, and environmental resilience. Genomic studies have also illuminated the pathways governing drought tolerance and fatty acid composition, improving the breeding of sunflowers tailored to specific agronomic and nutritional needs. Identifying genes associated with disease resistance, particularly against the parasitic weed broomrape, highlights the potential of genomics in safeguarding crop productivity. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of sunflower genomics in shaping the future of crop improvement and agriculture.

SOIL DAMAGE AND RECOVERY IN UKRAINE: LESSONS FROM GLOBAL POST-WAR EXPERIENCES

The russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in extensive environmental damage, significantly affecting the country’s soil quality and raising concerns about long-term agricultural sustainability and environmental health. The war has resulted in soil degradation through contamination by military operations, destruction of farmland, and disruption of natural ecosystems. The objective of the research is to evaluate the environmental consequences of the war in Ukraine, with a particular emphasis on soil degradation and the development of strategies for post-war restoration. The manuscript will entail a comprehensive review of existing literature on soil degradation and post-war environmental restoration, with a particular focus on case studies from conflict zones such as Vietnam, the Balkans, and post-Second World War Europe. Furthermore, an analysis of data from Ukrainian government agencies, environmental organizations, and international bodies will be conducted to assess the extent and nature of soil damage caused by the war. To achieve effective recovery of its soils and ecosystems, Ukraine can draw on global experiences and implement long-term strategies combining modern decontamination technologies, sustainable agricultural practices and policy reforms that promote ecological resilience. Environmental, social, and economic factors must be integrated into the country’s post-war recovery strategy. It is imperative that international cooperation and investment in environmental restoration, in conjunction with community involvement, are pursued in order to guarantee the success of these endeavours and to provide Ukraine with the support it requires in order to achieve a sustainable and resilient agricultural future. The research provides a foundation for the development of integrated strategies that leverage global lessons, thereby ensuring long-term recovery for Ukraine’s soil and agricultural systems.

From genes to governance: Engaging citizens in the new genomic techniques policy debate

Societal Impact StatementThe European Union is in the midst of changing the current regulatory framework for new genomic techniques (NGTs) to accelerate the production of plant varieties, in order to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal. These techniques are highly contested, with divergent views on how they should be governed. So far, there has been little effort to engage citizens in this legislative reform process. By engaging with Dutch citizens, we give the public a voice in shaping the future of agriculture and the food system. By facilitating the exchange of multiple views, we allow for more effective governance arrangements.Summary The European Commission (EC) has proposed a new regulation for plants obtained by new genomic techniques (NGTs). Currently, food crops developed with NGTs are subject to the EU Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The current proposal for a new regulation differentiates between two categories of NGT plants. Category 1 NGT plants will be subject to the new regulation, whereas Category 2 plants will remain subject to the GMO legislation, although the risk assessment may be adapted. In this paper, we analyze the views of Dutch citizens on NGT crops and their governance, prior to the publication of the new proposal. We find significant reservations arising from doubts about NGT crops delivering on their promises, the likelihood of unanticipated consequences, and unnaturalness. We extrapolate our findings to anticipate citizen's response to the new proposal and reflect on ways to move forward, both for policy making, and for the plant science community.