Large language models can help boost food production, but be mindful of their risks

• Main Authors: De Clercq, Djavan, Nehring, Elias, Mayne, Harry, Mahdi, Adam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20-03-2024
• Subjects: Computer Science - Computers and Society
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2403.15475

Coverage of ChatGPT-style large language models (LLMs) in the media has
focused on their eye-catching achievements, including solving advanced
mathematical problems and reaching expert proficiency in medical examinations.
But the gradual adoption of LLMs in agriculture, an industry which touches
every human life, has received much less public scrutiny. In this short
perspective, we examine risks and opportunities related to more widespread
adoption of language models in food production systems. While LLMs can
potentially enhance agricultural efficiency, drive innovation, and inform
better policies, challenges like agricultural misinformation, collection of
vast amounts of farmer data, and threats to agricultural jobs are important
concerns. The rapid evolution of the LLM landscape underscores the need for
agricultural policymakers to think carefully about frameworks and guidelines
that ensure the responsible use of LLMs in food production before these
technologies become so ingrained that policy intervention becomes challenging.