Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool to address various challenges in the food industry, particularly in the development of eco-friendly processes of sustainable food systems. With the growing concern for environmental sustainability and food security, there is a need for the food industry to adopt sustainable practices that reduce wastes, preserve resources, and improve the overall efficiency of food production, processing, and packaging to meet the needs of the growing human populations without compromising the ability of future generations. Within this context, this chapter delves into the utilization of artificial intelligence to construct sustainable food systems. It emphasizes the new trends of AI applications to qualitatively and quantitatively optimize key elements of sustainable food systems.
TopBackground
In recent years, there has been significant speculation and discussion surrounding food production and the actors involved in controlling commodity markets within the demand-supply chain. These revelations have caused profound concern about humanity's ability to withstand the high food demand and sustainability required to feed the expanding human population. In fact, demand for food supplies is constantly increasing, which calls for sustainable production practices and comparable production values. By 2050, the population could exceed 9.1 billion according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (Godfray et al., 2010). One in nine people, or 793 million people, lack sufficient food to sustain their daily lives, according to the FAO. Ultimately, food supply will remain to be a contentious topic as an essential factor in the demand-supply process. The technique of selecting an appropriate strategy among contemporary sustainable methods can produce better outcomes, satisfying production with corresponding demand as well.
The food industry has conceptually been relatively slow growing, and with low investment in research and development (R&D) compared to other business sectors. Additionally, modifying the food environment, reasonably priced and accessible through a variety of outlets, is necessary to make the transition to sustainable food systems (Herrero et al., 2021). Closer interactions between ecosystems, food chain actors, and consumers are necessary for sustainable food adjustments, contrary to intensification, distancing, concentration, and homogenization which restrict this process (Sundkvist et al., 2005). New techniques of food production and processing are now possible thanks to contemporary advancements in the food sector. For the last 50 years, a variety of food types have been in consumer demand, including some unusual ones like functional meals, which have proven to be essential to leading a healthy lifestyle (Blaxter, 2003). The food business devised a few food processing procedures to meet market demand and produce food quickly. In order to develop explorers in the modernization of the food industry, new technologies have been used for food processing and agriculture. These tackles were eventually superseded by intelligent machines and production lines (Mahalik et al., 2010). While sufficient knowledge and oversight are needed to ensure compliance with transparency, security, and ethical standards, artificial intelligence has a role to play in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (International Telecommunication Union, 2018; Vinuesa et al., 2020), especially those connected to food supply (Saetra, 2021).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Machine Learning: A subfield of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of algorithms and models that enable computers to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. It involves the analysis of data patterns to make predictions, and decisions, or perform tasks without human intervention.
Artificial Intelligence: A branch of computer science that deals with the development of intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Food Processing: The set of techniques and methods used to transform raw agricultural products into processed food items.
Food Packaging: The process of designing and producing containers, materials, and technologies used for enclosing, protecting, and preserving food products.
Fourth Industrial Revolution: The current era of technological advancements is characterized by the integration of digital technologies, automation, and data exchange in various industries.
Food Production: The process of cultivating, raising, or growing crops, livestock, or aquatic organisms for the purpose of producing food.
Sustainable Development Goals: A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. These goals aim to achieve sustainable development by 2030, covering areas such as poverty eradication, education, gender equality, climate action, and responsible consumption and production.
Supply Chain: The network of interconnected activities, organizations, resources, and technologies involved in the production, transformation, and distribution of goods or services from the point of origin to the point of consumption. It encompasses all stages, from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to customers.
Food Sustainability: The concept of producing, distributing, and consuming food in a manner that supports ecological balance, social equity, and economic viability.
Food Systems: The interconnected network of activities, processes, and actors involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of food. This encompasses all stages of the food chain, from agricultural production and processing to retailing, consumption, and waste management.