Preserving farming knowledge in the agritech era: Sarah Bell on The Country

Senior researcher Sarah Bell highlighted the growing importance of agritech and the critical need to preserve traditional farming knowledge. Speaking on The Country radio show, Bell advocated for the creation of a "Living Knowledge Bank" to capture and safeguard the wisdom accumulated by farmers over generations.

Bell's research, discussed with host Rowena Duncum, emphasizes that as agricultural technology rapidly advances, the invaluable practical knowledge held by experienced farmers risks being lost. This "living knowledge" encompasses insights into soil, weather patterns, crop resilience, and animal husbandry that are often developed through years of hands-on experience and local observation.

The proposed "Living Knowledge Bank" would serve as a repository for this expertise, ensuring it remains accessible for future generations of farmers and agricultural professionals. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and time-tested practices, fostering a more robust and sustainable agricultural sector.

Bell's contribution to the radio show underscores the ongoing dialogue in New Zealand about balancing innovation with the preservation of cultural and practical heritage within the agricultural community.