Revolutionising agriculture: The future of farming with insights
In this edition of Talking Insights, we sit down with Arend Koekkoek, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for transforming agriculture.
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In this edition of Talking Insights, we sit down with Arend Koekkoek, owner of PixelFarming Robotics, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for transforming agriculture. From the early environmental concerns of the 70s to setting up his own companies in electronics and digital technology, Arend's journey led him back to farming, but with a futuristic twist.
Environmental Awakening: Arend's father's environmental group in the 70s sparked his awareness of the impact of chemicals on the environment. This revelation became the seed for his future endeavours in agriculture, driven by a commitment to making a positive change.
From Tech to Farm: Arend's trajectory from tech enthusiast to farmer took an unexpected turn in the 2010s. Frustration with Earth's agricultural practices, despite technological progress, pushed him to take action. His decision to buy a farm and integrate AI and robotics into farming practices set the stage for a groundbreaking venture.
Robots in the Fields: The introduction of robots with AI capabilities marked a turning point. Arend describes the development of robots capable of individualized plant care, utilizing AI to predict growth patterns and enhance biodiversity. The goal? To replace harmful chemicals with sustainable practices, ultimately leading to higher food quality.
Social Impact and Scalability: Addressing concerns about technological unemployment, Arend emphasizes the need to liberate farming from low-wage jobs. He envisions a future where robotics can efficiently handle tasks, making farming more profitable and socially responsible. The scalability of this technology becomes apparent, with Arend encouraging competition to meet the massive demand for agricultural machinery.
Iliya Hull
Senior Marketing and Community Coordinator at ESOMARIliya is the Senior Marketing and Community coordinator here at ESOMAR. An avid traveller, he enjoys exploring the nooks and crannies of different cultures and when all of that becomes too much, can be found getting lost in the mountains or wiping out in a wave.
Born in Russia, raised in England and now working in the Netherlands, Iliya uses his multicultural background to influence, inspire and inform his marketing role to help create a better connected global ESOMAR community.
