New Zealand Agriculture Sector Lags Behind in AI Adoption
A new report from Amazon Web Services (AWS) has revealed that the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries in New Zealand are slower to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) compared to other sectors. While the national average for AI usage across all businesses in the country is 50 percent, these primary industries currently sit at just under 40 percent.
This gap suggests that many farmers and forestry businesses have not yet integrated modern digital tools into their daily operations. Experts believe that while AI has the potential to improve efficiency and productivity, the transition requires significant investment and training for those working in the field.
Industry leaders are now looking at ways to bridge this divide. By encouraging the use of AI, the agricultural sector could better monitor crop health, manage water resources, and predict weather patterns more accurately. These improvements are seen as essential for maintaining New Zealand’s competitive edge in the global market.
Despite the current statistics, there is optimism that adoption rates will rise in the coming years. As new technologies become more affordable and user-friendly, more rural businesses are expected to embrace digital transformation to support their long-term growth and sustainability.