The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Agricultural Labour in Europe

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to redefine how farming occurs. Throughout history examples of technological advances have shown that less labour has been required on a farm while at the same time increasing the output of food production. However, an interesting observation is that as technology has improved the farming process and replaced workers, it has opened a new avenue known as diversification. This paper focuses specifically on the impact that AI will have on the future of farming in the European sector. The literature brings to light common trends that technological innovations have always decreased the number of workers required in the farming process while at the same time maximising efficiency. AI will also follow the same trend, however, instead of eliminating workers in the farming process soon, the present observations show that farmers will still require workers to work alongside AI. The reason for increased investments in AI is due to research data showing a decline in population growth in Europe and the struggling profitability of farmers. Thereby analysts believe that a labour shortage will occur, and industries will struggle to fill those skills requirements. A qualitative summary was done on artificial intelligence technologies’ development impact on the labour of the agricultural sector of Europe.