Author: Tom Gauthier, Founder/CEO of AgTechLogic

Recently, I heard the term “prescription agriculture” used by farming industry leaders. Working in precision agriculture, I was interested in determining the difference between the two terminologies.  

While precision agriculture is still a work in progress, the leap to prescription agriculture isn’t far off. This innovative farming approach leverages advanced technologies and data analysis that optimizes farming practices, ensuring tailored decisions are made for the specific needs of crops, soil, and environmental conditions. Rather than traditional methods, it focuses on precise applications of inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides based on real-time data and analytics. The result? Increased crop yields and reduced costs.  

The future of our health will depend on how we approach the next era of farming. A decrease in pesticide use will lead to healthier communities and a healthier food supply, which is the backbone of humans and our environment. Whether you call it Prescription Agriculture or Precision Agriculture, we can agree that this practice represents a shift toward longevity in sustainable farming. 

As the Founder and CEO of AgTechLogic, I offer precision spraying solutions that help reduce the amount of pesticides used. Our goal is to reduce 1 billion pounds of chemical overspray by 2028. This not only lowers the cost for the grower but also leads to healthier soils, workers, and crops. By integrating technology and capturing data analytics, farmers can now make informed decisions that enhance productivity while protecting the environment, including: 

• Resource Efficiency: Maximizing inputs like water and fertilizers leads to significant cost savings and reduces waste. 

• Higher Returns on Investment: Targeted application technology (such as our Agtellio platform) can enhance crop yields and quality, increasing profitability. 

• Farming Resilience: Adopting data-driven strategies helps farmers adapt to changing climates, pest pressures, and market demands. 

• Environmental Protection: Prescription agriculture promotes ecological sustainability by minimizing chemical runoff and preserving biodiversity.  

Despite these advancements in agricultural technology, the prevalence of pesticides in our food continues to be a significant concern. A report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2020 indicated that approximately 70% of fruits and vegetables tested contained pesticide residues. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pesticides such as organophosphates and carbamates affect the nervous system. Others may irritate the skin or eyes, and some may be carcinogens that affect the hormone or endocrine system in the body. 

In particular, glyphosate – which is commonly known as Roundup – is linked to an array of health issues, including cancer, respiratory problems, reproductive issues, and developmental effects. According to UC Berkeley, childhood exposure to glyphosate can increase the risk of disease in early childhood, including liver inflammation and metabolic disorders, which can then lead to liver cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in life. 

Reducing pesticides and providing a healthier food supply has become a hot topic. This is very exciting because I aim to educate everyone I meet about how we can most effectively use pesticides for optimal farming outcomes. Notable figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senator Cory Booker, and Dr. Casey Means have been vocal advocates for reducing pesticide usage and increasing public awareness about potential health risks from overconsumption.  

Secretary Kennedy has consistently highlighted the dangers of pesticide residues and their links to various diseases, urging stronger regulations and promoting sustainable practices. As the Head of the Department of Health and Human Services, he aims to “Make America Healthy Again.” Kennedy’s role is to assess the threat that potential overutilization of certain chemicals and specific other exposures pose, with a particular focus on environmental impacts and food and drug quality and safety.  

Senator Cory Booker has introduced legislation to enhance food safety while reducing pesticide reliance and promoting organic farming practices that avoid harmful chemicals. The “Safe School Meals Act” would protect children by removing dangerous pesticide and chemical residues from school meals. It would also create a new market opportunity for organic and regenerative farmers to produce safe, clean, and nutritious products, helping to make organic certification affordable for small farmers. 

Dr. Casey Means, co-founder of Ready Set Food!, strongly advocates for clean, minimally processed diets and educates the public on the risks associated with pesticide exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. Through her work, Dr. Means highlights the potential health impacts of pesticide residues in conventionally grown foods and calls for greater awareness and action to address these concerns. Her efforts underscore the urgent need for reform in agricultural practices to prioritize public health and the safety of our food systems. 

The growing body of evidence linking pesticide exposure to health problems underscores the urgency of finding viable alternatives to conventional farming practices. Using the term “Prescription Agriculture” nicely sums up the correlation between farming and health outcomes. “Food is medicine” and can be a powerful tool for preventing, managing, and even treating specific health conditions with healthy, clean, and organic foods. 

My advice to farmers – and consumers – is to learn more about why minimizing chemical use in our foods promotes public health. I believe the benefits are staggering: 

• Healthier Food Supply: Food produced with less reliance on harmful chemicals can be safer for consumers, decreasing the risk of potential health issues. 

• Lower Disease Rates: Reducing pesticide usage can lower the incidence of pesticide-related diseases and improve health outcomes. 

• Sustainability:  Fewer chemicals sprayed into our soils benefit humans and the environment, protecting vital farmland and ecosystems. 

Advocacy for reducing pesticide use comes from diverse individuals, organizations, and movements. As the future of farming continues to evolve, the integration of precision agriculture represents a transformative approach to addressing the intertwined challenges of food safety, environmental sustainability, and public health.  

I firmly believe the vision for a sustainable agricultural future hinges upon collective action and innovative thinking, paving the way for the next generation of farmers and human health.