When most people hear “farming,” their minds may not initially veer toward innovation and the future. 

In fairness, the practice of farming is about as old as time. However, the reason for this lasting power is due to its penchant for incredible adaptation and ingenuity.

At no other time is that notion more evident than in 2021, as new, innovative farming methods continue to transform the agricultural landscape. 

These developments are also changing what’s expected from executive leadership in farming. We’ll explore these developments below. 

The Rise of Vertical Farming 

Vertical farming is a method used to produce food and medicinal plants. 

These farms can be set up indoors and outdoors, focusing on yielding food crops in less-than-ideal settings. 

Vertical farming is meant chiefly to maximize the area per square meter, using artificial temperature, light, humidity, and other gases.

This shift toward vertical farming adoptions stems from meeting the increasing demand for green-friendly production approaches for fruits and vegetables. 

Given the current focus on organic food and the many related concerns, vertical farming will continue to grow. In fact, it’s projected to reach a market size of $12.04 billion by 2026. 

Jobs Being Created By Vertical Farming and Related Innovations 

With vertical farming and other sustainable methods trending upward, agricultural organizations need to know what roles to prioritize to leverage these industry shifts. You need to have the right people in place for your company to remain relevant and ahead of the curve. 

Here’s a breakdown of three quickly emerging roles in agriculture due to technological advancements:

(Note: These jobs were highlighted in a recent article from Chron, discussing trending careers in vertical farming). 

Software Engineers:

•     Software engineers create programs that analyze and organize vital information.
•     Apps are also developed by software engineers that allow people to perform unique tasks on a device.
•     Furthermore, a software engineer develops underlying systems that control a network and run the devices.
•     These individuals require a degree in computer science and need to be proficient programmers. 

Agricultural Engineers:

•     This role is a blend of engineering science, agricultural production, technology, and processing.
•     Agricultural engineers run product processing and environmental impact assessments.
•     These individuals also oversee agricultural system construction.
•     Those filling this position must have a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or biological engineering. 

Agricultural Managers (Horticulturalists): 

•     Agricultural managers (also known as horticulturalists) grow plants for nonfood and food purposes.
•     These individuals combine their knowledge-base and skills with technology.
•     People in this role must cultivate plants to improve nutritional value, yield, growth, and quality. There’s also the need to stave off pests, diseases, and general stresses caused by the environment.
•     An agricultural manager can be a gardener, grower, therapist, technical adviser, or designer. 

With these positions filled in your agriculturally based organization, you’ll be ready to reap the rewards as vertical farming continues its rise.

The shift toward vertical farming will change the way executive leaders approach their businesses. 

As such, filling the positions mentioned above will become a top priority. Ag 1 Source is a premier recruiter in the agricultural space, with access to all the top talent–including the roles discussed in this blog. Contact us today to find out more.