A new report published by Deakin University and created in conjunction with Ford Australia and Griffith University has sought to outline the 100 jobs of the future. The research project specifically looked at the future of work in an increasingly technologically-driven society and has explored major trends and changes in key industries.
Specific to agriculture, four key positions have emerged from their research. These jobs are:
- Agroecological Farmer
The agroecological farmer grows crops and biofuel, while restoring agricultural balance.
They cultivate agricultural ecosystems, the different elements of which work together to create an effective, efficient and sustainable means of feeding and fuelling the planet.
Many agroecological farmers will be based in urban areas, where they run vertical farms, but others will still be located in rural areas.
The agroecological farmer cultivates trees, shrubs, and weeds among crops, using intercropping techniques to create microclimates that are beneficial, and to repel pest insects. They will provide targeted irrigation to the root systems of plants, preventing run-off that might cause erosion and loss of soil nutrients.
Agroecological farmers will use a wide range of technologies in their work, including robots for fieldwork, gene editing for hardy crops, and big data-informed practice. Sensors are embedded into the soil and air, measuring exactly how much of the right green fertiliser is needed, what the temperature is, and how much watering is required.
Agroecological farmers have knowledge of how plants, soil, insects, animals, nutrients, water and weather interact with one another to create the living systems. They know about how to grow food and biofuel in sustainable ways. They enjoy working with plants, and have practical skills in fieldwork and robot repair. They have good data analysis skills, and can use algorithmic software to learn what the best sustainable and productive framing options might be.
- Bio-jacker
Bio-jackers are genetic engineers who undertake precision genome editing of plants and animals, including humans.
Depending on their specialist area of expertise, plant bio-jackers may manipulate the growth patterns and appearance of plants, along with the nutrition profiles of fruit and vegetables.
Human bio-jackers alter the genetic make- up of people, in order to fix gene patterns that cause disorders and illnesses, and in some instances to change their appearance and/or physical abilities. This is a tightly regulated area, and the work of bio-jackers must be thoroughly checked and certified for their potential impact to genetic diversity and the health of the host.
bio-jackers undertake complex genetic analyses to identify potential genetic modifications that can fix potential problems or meet other needs, and then undertake genome editing using plasmids to transfect the target cells.
bio-jackers will need in-depth knowledge of genetics, the processes of genetic engineering and genome editing, and what the results of these procedures are likely to be. Bio-jackers will work in teams and will need to be able to collaborate with others, such as genetic coaches and healthcare workers. They will also need training in advanced bioethics and genetic diversity practice.
- Cricket Farmer
People will turn towards more efficient protein sources.
Cricket farming will be an urban agriculture practice that produces large quantities of high-quality protein, micronutrients, calcium, zinc and heme iron (considered superior to plant-based iron).
Crickets consume plant products and produce very little waste making them an efficient energy source.
Vertical systems that require very little space where crickets thrive in optimal conditions will be designed. Robots and intelligent systems will monitor each cricket module, maintaining optimum growing conditions, monitoring inputs and growth rates.
Crickets will be turned into high protein flour for bread products and protein bars or deep fried to produce crispy snacks.
Crickets will be turned into high protein flour for bread products and protein bars or deep fried to produce crispy snacks.A cricket farmer will use a variety of technologies and have a high level of digital literacy. They will use robots to monitor the crickets, and be able to maintain the machines and programs. They will manage the cricket selective breeding program where they design a range of cricket varieties to match different market needs. They will design and test cricket products to fill an increasing variety of product niches. Cricket farmers will be good collaborators and skilled communicators as they will be a key player in the food production industry.
- Farm Safety Advisor
Until fairly recently, farm accidents accounted for about one in five work-related fatalities.
In the future, a combination of human interventions and digital technologies will ensure that workplace accidents on farms are very rare.
Farm safety advisors will visit farms in a district or community to inspect and advise farmers on risk identification, management and planning.
Farm safety advisors will be informed of potential risks through software that uses a combination of big data and accident histories, and sensor technology that informs of existing or emerging hazards in the environment.
Farm safety advisors will ensure that autonomous vehicles and ag robots have the latest safety software installed, and that bodies of water such as dams are fenced off electronically from access by small children. They will develop safety plans for farmers and provide advice on the latest in safety practices and technologies.
Farm safety advisors will be familiar with farming practices and processes. They will have an eye for detail, and keen judgement. Awareness of farm hazards and their likelihood is important, as is the ability to use digital tools to assess risks. Farm safety advisors will have excellent knowledge of the latest in safety products and technologies, and will be able to communicate these options to farmers.
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