Florida A&M University Uses Smart Technology to Drive the Future of Agriculture

Dr. G. Dale Wesson, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Florida A&M University, has a vision that builds on the land-grant component of the university’s historic past and is decidedly focused on the future.

“We like to say we put the ‘A’ in Florida A&M,” Wesson says. He leads an array of programs that go beyond historic agricultural education to embrace – and advance – cutting-edge technologies to address the world’s food supply challenges. “Beyond traditional agriculture, we’re attracting students who are technologically savvy,” he says. “We’re using AI and other innovations to advance components of smart agriculture.”

This work focuses on ways to use technology to increase crop production and resilience and to decrease or have even a less-than-zero impact on climate change. Sometimes, this takes the form of scientific discovery and specialized research, and sometimes it’s more fundamental, like testing the use of Ford F150 Lightning electric trucks on the college’s two farms.

Wesson says his own academic background in chemical engineering means he approaches these programs from an innovative, nontraditional perspective, and the faculty and staff bring their own diverse perspectives and research experience.

Dr. Jingqiu Chen, Assistant Professor in the Biological Systems Engineering program, is leading research on growing precision engineering systems for muscadine grape vineyards and water management, incorporating AI and machine-learning capacity for digital agriculture and plant phenotyping technologies research.

Chen’s work also focuses on translating research findings into practical applications that can be adopted by farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

“We are building the next generation of scientists and engineers who will continue advancing agriculture using digital technologies.”

– Dr. Jingqiu Chen, Assistant Professor at Florida A&M UniversityFlorida

“Through workshops, field demonstrations and collaborative projects, I strive to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and everyday agricultural practices,” Chen says.

We provide hands-on experiential learning experiences in digital agriculture, ensuring that students are well-equipped with the skills they need for careers in this rapidly evolving field. We build pipelines to develop the workforce in the field of AI in agriculture. Engaging students, especially from historically underrepresented groups, in this cutting-edge work is incredibly rewarding. We are building the next generation of scientists and engineers who will continue advancing agriculture using digital technologies.”

One of her colleagues, Dr. Lucy Ngatia, Assistant Professor in the Plant and Soil Sciences program, is focusing on the most climate-smart ways to reclaim downed trees and convert them to biochar, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases in the process.

“We have observed increased productivity after biochar soil amendment,” Ngatia says. “Involvement of farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders in our work ensures the implementation of our findings. It is important to keep in mind that climate-smart agriculture needs patience. Soil organic amendment needs to be continuous, not a one-time process. It is a marathon, not a sprint.”Florida A&M’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences is recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions of its kind. Wesson says it continues to evolve, as it has for well over a century, and is committed to meeting the changing needs of the food and agriculture industries.

“Come grow with us!” he says.

For more information about Florida A&M University College of Agriculture and Food Sciences or to enroll, visit cafs.famu.edu.