Robot Wars, a new report from the think tank the Resolution Foundation argues that farming and the food industry are highly vulnerable -- or amenable, depending on your point of view -- to automation, with robots replacing human workers.
This is because these sectors involve high levels of routine tasks that can relatively easily be performed by machines; because they have a high dependence on migrant labour, which may be vulnerable once the UK's new relationship with the EU has been negotiated; and because the introduction of the National Living Wage is increasing labour costs.
The report puts farming among the sectors of the economy with the highest 'relative probability of computerisation', behind forestry, and routine legal and accounting work.
The report argues that automation is not necessarily a bad thing -- it can improve productivity (which it says is 'terrible' in the UK); and it also points out that it may be tasks, rather than jobs, that are robotised.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
