If you are living and breathing in the horticultural industry right now, you are hearing the phrase “artificial intelligence” everywhere. AI can sometimes feel like a nebulous, catch-all term that confuses those who aren’t working with it daily. Many people feel cautious about the challenges it may bring, while others are energized by the potential advancements AI could offer to agriculture and horticulture as a whole.

But remember, there was a time when tractors, fertilizer, and genetic modification were brand-new technologies, too, and they came with their own uncertainty and hesitation.

As with the adoption of any new tool, some growers will dive right in, and some will take a slower path. Wherever your operation falls, UF/IFAS Extension is here to help you make informed decisions by explaining the practical benefits this technology may bring to your operation.

Truly, AI represents the next frontier in how we grow plants, manage pests, and feed communities while facing shrinking land resources and increasing environmental pressures.

Some of the possibilities that are quickly becoming reality include early disease recognition, automated pest scouting, predictive models for pests, improved inventory management, smarter sensor systems, and water-use optimization.

As these tools continue to develop, it is important to remember that the goal is not to replace growers. The goal is to empower and equip them to do their job to the best of their ability. The future looks like more informed decisions, less waste, and faster response times as we identify plant stressors. As new tools do emerge, UF/IFAS will continue to provide research-based education so that Florida’s horticulture industry can adopt what works well, and stay ahead of the curve.

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