Agriculture is a very broad discipline that encompasses all aspects of agricultural production, from planting to harvesting, including environmental science, agribusiness, food science, precision agriculture, livestock farming, and horticulture, among many other industries. It may sound contradictory, but agriculture is considered one of the professions of the future and is one of the most in-demand careers in Canada.

In his book "Sálvese Quien Pueda" (Save Yourself If You Can), Andrés Oppenheimer explains how many professions will disappear as a result of automation. However, he also notes that agriculture will remain relevant and that the demand for skilled workers in this industry is growing.

Although agriculture has been a fundamental part of societal development for centuries, today it is more relevant than ever as one of the careers of the future with the greatest potential, since, among many reasons, the need to produce quality food will never disappear. We can also observe how the world's population is growing, and each new generation arrives with varied diets and new, specific requirements.

It is in this context that technology and artificial intelligence are transforming agriculture, but these advances cannot completely replace the need for human workers. Data interpretation, planning, strategies, and the use of these advances must always be guided by specific objectives determined by humans.

Automated tasks: food production is not something that can be completely delegated to technology.It is necessary to adapt techniques to local conditions, understand crop behavior, produce more with fewer resources, and manage the risks associated with climate change, pests, and diseases of living beings.

The future of agriculture is not just about working in the fields, but also about being part of an ecosystem of technological and scientific solutions. This is why concepts like Smart Farm (granja inteligente) de Olds College of Agriculture & Technology They represent a step forward in the implementation of these new technologies.

On the 15-square-kilometer campus, the Smart Farm applies precision agriculture concepts, using drones, sensors, and other technological advancements to improve the efficiency of farm operations, crops, and animal management. Even so, Olds College students are fundamental to this implementation, as these new technologies require human supervision, strategic decision-making, and on-the-ground skills.

New technologies offer benefits such as, for example, controlled irrigation via moisture sensors reduces farmers' workload by only watering when necessary; improved monitoring: drones provide aerial images to monitor the state of crops more efficiently; and artificial intelligence detection of diseases and pests to control them before they spread.

Canada faces a significant shortage of skilled labor in the agricultural sector, with over 123,000 new vacancies projected by 2029. These vacancies represent a great opportunity for Latin American students, as they can fully immerse themselves in these new technologies and help Canada fill current and future vacancies in the industry, while simultaneously contributing to combating serious problems such as climate change and reducing poverty levels in their home countries.

If you would like more information about academic options in Canada for programs focused on the agricultural industry, you can contact me through the following means:

Juan Carlos Granda

Regional Manager Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

jgranda@oldscollege.ca

WhatsApp: (+57) 319 759 06 39