Technology and Innovation to Meet the Challenges Ahead
Recognition that Change is Required
The Realities of Future Need
A Global Snapshot of Future Food Need
Innovation and Change
Conclusion
Commentators and recognised agricultural experts agree that the trends in the global agricultural industry for the coming two or three decades are quite clear.
Both mainstream and agricultural news bulletins and editorial commentary has recently highlighted the urgent need for change to farming practice and thinking. The use of more efficient and innovative fertiliser strategies, together with the use of technology in order that farmers and growers become smarter, more productive and sustainable is indicated. Calls by peak industry bodies within the varying agricultural sectors have all called for a rethinking of management plans, the use of advanced equipment such as drones for crop and land inspections, and computerised calculation tools to ensure wastage is kept to a minimum so that the soil is not being overburdened by fertiliser
and chemicals.
Whilst this move is recognised as a global issue, it is especially relevant for densely populated countries where food supply and security is under serious pressure. Australian farmers are not immune. Some grave warnings have been sounded from across all agricultural sectors – and all with the same underlying message. The agricultural industry must change many of its entrenched routines and practices in order to survive, and for Australia’s primary food production sector it must make these changes to remain competitive within the global marketplace. One commentator was recently heard to align Australia’s status in this global issue as to being ‘the delicatessen of the region, rather than the supermarket’ in terms of supply potential.
The following two articles appeared recently in Australian media.
- This media release prefaces a parliamentary enquiry into the use of technology for agriculture. It specifically lists exploring the use of remote observation techniques such as drones, and for enquiry into the use of more sustainable farm chemicals. It drives to the very heart of many of the issues that RLF has been striving to achieve.


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-14/parly-innovation-hearing-agriculture-technology/6697874
The future of agriculture depends on finding efficiencies and applying change and improvement to the ways of growing and farming.
In the strictest sense of this challenge it all begins with the soil – as the cycle of life in the soil is harnessed in such a way as to underpin the most important part of the new approach to modern farming practice – the sustainability of soil – so it can strengthen and ensure the ongoing requirement to produce more with each growing year. Whilst it is acknowledged that this forms only a part of the cycle of growth and development for each plant within the crop, it is a vital one and ultimately the benefits to farmers and growers will be significant. If, through better care and understanding of our soils and by introducing changed fertilising practice, increased organic matter and stronger soil structure can be delivered, this is a fundamental positive result for the ‘building blocks’ of efficiency.
REDUCE INPUT COSTS
The following chart makes a simple and obvious statement. It shows the per capita food consumption as calculated in 2007, with a projection made for the world’s per capita food requirement by 2050. It is a powerful reminder of the challenge ahead for the world and its agricultural industries.
In all regions, and population groupings, the need going forward is expressed as significantly higher.
CHEMICAL


Ultra Foliar fertilisers (via the leaf)

at a more effective rates of application

There are several known facts about the challenges and changes that lie ahead.
- the undeniable and expected massive growth in the demand for food
- the imperative of protecting the areas of arable land currently under cultivation
- the need for continual improvement and efficiencies
- the importance of science and technology
- the requirement for innovative crop protection solutions
- the reliance on ‘partnership’ as a means of achieving successful outcomes
- the willingness of farmers and growers to embrace these factors for change
- the acceptance of the importance of the soil
The beginning of every cropping cycle, begins with the soil.


If the soil has been restored because of the quality of the organic matter ploughed back into it, it will be invigorated and imbued with greater natural nutrient.
This is the basis of IFM. This is an exciting and innovative farm management strategy.
A partnership with RLF can be relied upon. It is a company with world-leading technologies and products and it leads the industry with its innovative liquid fertiliser products systems and crop protection solutions.