Leveraging AI for a sustainable and fair food system
Leveraging AI for a sustainable and fair food system
The urgent transition to a climate-neutral and circular food system in Europe poses a major challenge. There is still much untapped potential in innovations that use AI, such as drones that observe the soil, autonomous irrigation systems, smart sensors and apps connected to tractors. These digital technologies can contribute to more efficient food production and reduce emissions and depletion of soil, minerals and energy. They also offer opportunities to better inform consumers and reduce food waste by optimizing logistics. Yet the deployment of AI in practice is often difficult, due to ethical dilemmas, complex legal issues and the social context of automation. The ELSA Lab AI for Sustainable Food Systems (AI4SFS) is actively working on solutions by applying technology not only smartly, but also fairly and socially responsible.
The role of AI in the food system
AI can play an important role in the transition to a sustainable food system: more efficient production, lower emissions, and less soil depletion. AI applications are possible throughout the entire chain, from production to consumption. For example, milking robots can be equipped with sensors to perform medical diagnostics on cows. AI is also used to provide dietary advice to consumers.
At the same time, the practical application of AI often proves complex. There are concerns: what does AI mean for traditional production, market relations, employment, and animal welfare? In Europe, AI applications are being developed for the sake of sustainability, but human-centeredness and ethics are still not sufficiently taken into account. The ELSA Lab AI for Sustainable Food Systems therefore focuses on the ethical, legal, and social aspects of AI (ELSA) in the food system—to prevent technology from being smart but not fair, safe, or socially responsible.
For more information, watch the video: https://vimeo.com/856590316?fl=pl&fe=sh
About the ELSA Lab AI for Sustainable Food Systems
The ELSA Lab AI for Sustainable Food Systems investigates how AI can contribute to healthy food and sustainable systems, with support from society. The lab aims to become a hub where governments, companies, and researchers can go for knowledge and support regarding ethical and socially responsible AI. The ultimate goal: AI applications that truly contribute to the transition to a sustainable food system, with less environmental impact and more solidarity.
Guiding responsible AI
The lab focuses on AI applications throughout the entire chain, from food production to consumption. Partners from the agri-food sector and knowledge institutions are working together on this shared task. This means, among other things, that the lab is working on:
- Aligning AI applications with shared sustainability goals
- Preventing risks and limiting the potential negative consequences of AI
- Ensuring solidarity, equality, justice, and animal welfare
- Promoting a fair distribution of costs and benefits between the parties involved
This helps accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system, with reliable AI applications that truly work for everyone involved in the chain.
Collaboration partners
The consortium consists of public, private and academic partners, including:
Want to know more or collaborate?
Wageningen University & Research coordinates the ELSA lab for Sustainable Food Systems. Would you like to know more about the AiNed ELSA Labs? Please contact Gijs Beumkes at elsalabs@aic4nl.nl.
