Bridging Tradition and Technology
As we all know, food is one of our most fundamental, primal needs. Generations of farmers have perfected their growing techniques and secrets powering the food industry. Surely something this sacred shouldn’t be tampered with…or should it?
Using technology and food manufacturing in the same sentence usually elicits the same frightening response as mentioning AI: “Will it take over our jobs?” “I want to be able to trust the ingredients in my food.” “I don’t want to eat something that’s chemically grown!”
These are all common misconceptions. Nature and technology can in fact work together, to create positive, sustainable and convenient practices. But are consumers ready to embrace this? If food manufacturing companies promise to produce high-quality, great-tasting food, then I think so! I sit on the agricultural and rural desk at MorePeople and it is important for us as specialist recruiters to stay up to date on technological advances to attract top talent, accurately define evolving job roles, and meet the growing demand for tech-savvy professionals.
As agriculture adopts new innovations, recruiters need to understand these trends to align candidates with employer needs, drive sustainability, and support industry innovation. Staying informed ensures a future-ready workforce, and helps bridge labour gaps by identifying adaptable and skilled professionals who can navigate the industry's rapid technological evolution.
We recently explored Mintel’s 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends Report, which gave us insight into the opinions of blending traditional agriculture with cutting-edge technology.
For farmers, traditional techniques and wisdom have been passed through generations. They’ve become reliant on these practices that have been mastered throughout time. But as climate challenges persist, are we seeing farmers embrace technology in small doses? Let’s take drones as an example. The introduction of drones can be used in multiple ways, such as crop growth and maintenance. This not only saves time and energy for farmers, but they can also provide accurate details on the quality of their produce allowing farmers to focus their time on other projects. Additionally, GPS-guided tractors will inevitably improve farming efficiency and lead to less strain on repetitive labour.
Utilising technology to create higher-yielding and more nutritious food
Mintel’s report has highlighted that 52% of US vegetable buyers would eat more vegetables engineered to be more nutritious. This does support our argument that when it comes to healthier food options, consumers are starting to react positively to the benefits. Advancement in technology does not have to mean compromising on taste or health. Food that stays fresher for longer will help reduce food waste, especially in large-scale environments like restaurants and hotels which is a huge positive concerning sustainable practices.
Engineered crops, developed through advancements in agricultural biotechnology, play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by the rapidly increasing human population. These crops are genetically modified to exhibit traits such as enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses like drought or salinity. Additionally, they can be designed to increase yield, ensuring higher food production per acre of farmland. This innovation is vital as global food demand continues to grow with the population, while arable land remains finite. By improving nutritional content and reducing the need for chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, engineered crops also promote sustainable farming practices, making them an essential tool in combating food insecurity and supporting a growing world.
Whilst we still have some work to do in shifting consumer perceptions on blending technology and traditional agriculture, the promise of more nutritious foods and sustainable practices is a powerful motivator. Projecting into 2026, we suspect that arms will be much more open when we can fully see the results and benefits of using technology to our advantage.
Are you looking to advance your Agricultural career, or looking for a place to start? Get in touch!
Rachel Richardson | Recruitment Consultant | Agriculture and Rural
Rachel@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530
