JB's Bites: Training students for AI in agriculture

Wayne State University was recently granted $749,991 from the US Department of Agriculture that it plans to use to start a summer camp for students to learn how to use data science and artificial intelligence in agriculture.

The intention is to train about 200 Michigan middle and high school students to better understand how to keep people fed in a world constantly shifting under climate change. The amount of farmable land per person is projected to decrease by two-thirds by 2050, according to a news release announcing the funding.

“There are significant concerns that we may not be producing enough food to meet future global demands,” said Sara Masoud, WSU’s lead for the project.

“Smart agriculture” which uses technology like sensors, drones, and AI to improve efficiency and yields is a promising solution, she said. “However, its widespread adoption is limited due to cost and skill gaps,” she said, requiring expanded education about data science and agriculture.