Future-Proof Farming:
How Young Agricultural
Engineers
Can Help Save the Planet
Dr. Harold O. Buenvenida
Capiz State University-Pontevedra
"In the vast cosmic darkness, Earth is but a fragile speck of light—a reminder of our
shared responsibility to cherish and protect the only home we have. The health of
this pale blue dot reflects the health of all life it sustains."
Earth, a majestic planet, teeming
with life, is a tapestry of lush
forests, vast oceans, and
sprawling landscapes. Earth is not
just a place; it is our home, our
sanctuary, and our future. It is the
only haven where life as we know
it can flourish, making every
moment a precious opportunity to
nurture, protect, and cherish this
extraordinary gift.
This same planet is facing
multiple environmental
crises, from climate change
and biodiversity loss to
pollution and resource
depletion. As stewards of the
future, young people have a
unique opportunity and
responsibility to take action.
Triple Planetary Crisis
The triple planetary crisis of
biodiversity loss, climate
change, and pollution affects
everyone, but with half of the
global population being under
the age of 30, the youth is not
only the most affected but for
the longest part of their lives.
Agriculture’s Impact on
Sustainability
Agriculture is deeply connected to
sustainability in several key ways:
•Food Security: Agriculture must provide
enough food for a growing population while
ensuring long-term productivity.
•Environmental Impact: Farming affects land,
water, and biodiversity, making sustainable
practices crucial.
•Climate Change: Agriculture contributes to
greenhouse gas emissions but also has
potential solutions, such as carbon
sequestration.
•Economic and Social Development:
Sustainable agriculture supports rural
communities, fair labor practices, and
economic stability.
Biodiversi
ty
the variety of
life on Earth at
all its levels,
from genes to
ecosystems.
The Philippines has more than 52,177 described species, half of which are endemic
or found nowhere else on earth. In terms of terrestrial vertebrates, the Philippines is
known to host 1,238 species of which 618 (or 50%) is endemic. In terms of fishes,
the Philippines counts at least 3,214 species, of which about 121 are endemic and
76 threatened.
• More than 75% of global food crops rely on
pollinators
Indigenous rice varies are
disappearing due to human
activities and climate change.
The Role of Agricultural
Engineers in Sustainability
•Developing sustainable farming
technologies
•Improving irrigation and water conservation
systems
•Innovating climate-smart agriculture
solutions
•Designing eco-friendly farming equipment
and infrastructure
Advances in biotechnology have contributed to a great
increase in horticultural yield in the past three decades.
With the advent of the severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, food security
has deteriorated, and agricultural
scientists forecast a large increase in
hunger indices by 2020 (Ukhurebor
In consequence,
et al., 2021). current yield and quality
cannot keep up with rapid population
increases as a result of global climate
change, shortages of horticulture
practitioners, and the pandemic. A new
generation of information technologies,
such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big
data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence
(AI), and blockchain, are rapidly
developing.
Agriculture 4.0
comprises different operational or developing
technologies such as robotics, nanotechnology,
synthetic proteins, cellular agriculture, gene-
editing technology, AI, blockchain, and machine
learning, which may have pervasive effects on
future agriculture and food systems and major
transformative potential (Klerkx and Rose,
2020).
Horticulture 4.0 is also known as smart
horticulture. Through the deep integration of
biotechnology, engineering, information technology,
and regulation technologies, smart horticulture
involves precise perception, smart operation, and
smart control during the cultivation, transportation,
and sale of horticultural products. It substantially
improves the land output rates, resource-use
efficiency, and productivity.
vs
Smart Plant Production in
Controlled Environments (SPICE)
This program aims to lead the research and
development for the design of a stand-alone
urban farm system and establish protocols for
micropropagation, cryopreservation, and
nursery management of rare, endangered, and
economically valuable native plant species.
“The core of this project is not only the
development of new technology, but also, on a
macro perspective, to ensure that we can
protect our country’s rich biodiversity,”
rows of leafy greens grow without soil under LED
lights
Indigenous
trees/plants are
propagated using
SPICE technology
A scientist can discover a
star
But he cannot make one.
He would have to ask an
engineer
To do it for him.
- Gordon Glegg
So, how can you help
save the planet?
as the
stakeholders
of the future.
boundless
energy, ideas,
and influence
Fresh
perspectives
not bounded
by
conventional
thinking;
looking at
problems in
new ways—
highly motivated,
energetic, and
willing to push
boundaries for
systemic change
21st Century
Skills and the
power of young
people coming
together.
This is not just about
conserving nature; it is
about conserving us —We
need more of us knowing,
so more of us can protect
what we love, and hence,
as a whole, we know how
to love a country, our
humanity, and the world
H.O.
we live in.
Buenveni
for the people,
and the planet
Madamo
nga Salamat!