Upstream agriculture: consolidating players to meet the challenges of the 21st century

In the 20th century, modern agriculture successfully met the challenge of feeding a growing human population. This was only possible thanks to a remarkable rise in productivity. However, the situation seems to be changing. While global demand for food will remain dynamic over the coming decades, yields seem to be levelling off. This observation comes at a time when global warming, the need to preserve ecosystems and new consumer demands are calling for a rethink of production methods.

Relying on the industrial revolution in biotechnology, information technology and artificial intelligence, new solutions for agriculture are being developed. Genome editing will open up new perspectives in plant breeding. Inputs are becoming more efficient, safe and environmentally friendly. Connected sensors, big data analysis and robotics are driving the emergence of digital agriculture. The winners of these technological mutations will be farmers, consumers and the environment. The losers could be input suppliers... unless they reinvent themselves. This formidable "disruption" of the industry will not be a smooth ride. It will require substantial R&D efforts.

The dynamics of agronomic innovation rely on an ecosystem that includes public research organizations, SMEs, startups and major international groups. Each type of player has its own advantages and disadvantages. This diversity fosters dynamic innovation. Collaboration between players, within the framework of public-private partnerships, is to be encouraged.

This document was produced by Asterès, with the help of the think tank agriDées and financial support from Bayer.