Making autonomy a reality for growers requires a partnership between technology innovators, equipment manufacturers, growers, and regulators, according to Tim Bucher, cofounder and CEO of Agtonomy.
Few industries balance as much tradition and transformation as farming, but rising labor challenges, tight margins, and sustainability pressures make it urgent to get modern tools, like autonomous tractors, into the hands of more growers.
The potential of autonomy in agriculture is clear.
However, the path to legal operation, especially in California, where agriculture and labor safety regulations are among the most comprehensive in the world, is less obvious for many.
The author of this article is Tim Bucher, cofounder and CEO of Agtonomy, a California-based software, services, and technology company enabling autonomy in agriculture.
Author's summary: California's approach to ag autonomy sets global standards.