Modern agriculture has undergone a digital transformation over the last decade, with the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) and, more recently, the explosion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, a technology that is poised to further reshape and dramatically progress the industry is quantum computing. At the recent Sprout Summit in Auckland, AI and emerging technologies like quantum computing took centre stage, with experts and industry leaders discussing how these tools could drive the next big leaps in productivity and sustainability. Below, we break down what this means for the future of agriculture and New Zealand’s innovators.
The increase in available and accessible AI tools for commercial and personal use has evolved the way we live, and is doing the same in agriculture. AI offers new tools for making our food systems more efficient, equitable and less damaging to the environment at a time when tangible impact in the sector is critical to life on Earth.
Today’s modern farmers already use AI-driven tools for precision planting, smart irrigation, and real-time crop monitoring. AI algorithms sift through large amounts of sensor and satellite data to give farmers insights. These systems can identify early signs of crop diseases or pest outbreaks, optimise fertiliser and water use, and monitor livestock health.
Notably, farmers embracing AI are reaping the rewards: about 70% of farmers using AI report roughly 20% increases in efficiency and yields. This success is driving adoption, with many large farming businesses planning to boost AI investments to stay competitive. At Sprout Agritech, we’ve seen this firsthand with LIC and Fonterra partnering with Sprout’s portfolio company, Aimer Farming, whose platform enables smarter pasture management without the guesswork.
Beyond the farm gate, AI is transforming the entire food value chain. In food processing and foodtech, AI helps predict demand, reduce waste, maintain quality and accelerate product innovation. At our recent Sprout Summit, keynote speaker Dr. Oliver Zahn, CEO of Climax Foods , emphasised the unprecedented time we live in. Thanks to AI and data, we can now generate insights and innovations at a pace that earlier generations could only dream of. His work using AI to unlock novel plant protein sources is a prime example of the breakthroughs that are now possible.
Looking ahead, AI’s role in agrifood will only expand and will become the everyday tool used by farmers and growers… the new paper and pen. Meanwhile, the future of agriculture will see quantum computing tackling previously unsolvable problems. Another key speaker at the Sprout Summit, Dr. Roberto dos Reis, Northwestern University, highlighted how quantum technologies will eventually be applied to virtually all that we do in agritech, enabling us to address more, faster and solve problems of previously unmanageable complexity.
So, what is quantum computing?
In simple terms, quantum computing is a new computing paradigm that uses quantum bits or “qubits” instead of the binary bits found in today’s computers. Unlike a normal bit that is either 0 or 1, a qubit can exist in multiple states at once (a property called superposition), and can even influence other qubits instantly over distance (through entanglement). These properties let quantum computers process many possibilities simultaneously, giving them the potential to solve certain complex problems much faster than classical computers. This is paramount for the future of agriculture, which faces immense complexity, from unpredictable weather and soil conditions to genetics and global supply chains. Traditional computers often struggle with simulating and optimising such multi-variable systems.
Quantum computing matters now because it offers a way to tackle these challenges. There are limited commercial examples of quantum computing used in agriculture to date. Key reasons for this are:
1. Hardware Limitations - Quantum machines are still experimental, expensive, and extremely sensitive to environmental noise
2. Talent Gap - There are very few experts who understand both quantum computing and agriculture
3. Digital Infrastructure - Much of agriculture still lacks basic digital infrastructure, let alone the capacity to integrate quantum-powered decision tools.
However, similar to the first wave of digital transformation of agriculture, the tsunami of usable quantum computing will hit faster than expected, and New Zealand needs to jump on board.
Several high-impact applications were discussed at the Sprout Summit and are on the horizon for the sector:
1. Crop Breeding and Genomics
Quantum algorithms could drastically accelerate the process of identifying optimal genetic combinations. This could reduce the time needed to breed resilient, high-yield crops, especially important in a changing climate.
2. Climate and Weather Modelling
Better forecasts mean smarter decisions on planting, irrigation, and harvesting. Quantum-enhanced models might extend the predictive window beyond current capabilities.
3. Farm Logistics and Supply Chain Optimisation
Optimising routes for machinery, deliveries, or harvest timing is a classic “combinatorial” problem - one that quantum computing excels at. Early trials overseas have shown hybrid quantum systems outperforming classical computers in routing challenges.
4. Fertiliser and Pesticide Design
Quantum simulation could facilitate the discovery of new, more effective, and environmentally friendly agricultural inputs by modelling molecular interactions in ways not possible with traditional computers.
For agrifood entrepreneurs, the convergence of AI and quantum computing opens exciting opportunities. As agriculture continues to digitise, new problems are ripe for creative solutions. Startups can leverage AI today to build products and services, and it won’t be long before AI becomes synonymous with quantum computing. We’re already seeing pioneering collaborations (such as startups partnering with quantum computing firms to optimise farm operations), hinting at a hybrid tech future.
The signals couldn’t be clearer: the global AI-in-agriculture market is growing at nearly 25% annually, on track to surpass US$10 billion by 2032. Meanwhile, quantum computing is projected to hit an eye-watering US$42 billion by 2030. Investors are watching, and the agrifood industry is beginning to take notice. For startups and innovators, the message is simple: focus on solving real, pressing challenges in the food system, and be ready to adopt the next wave of technology as it lands. Whether it’s machine learning for kiwifruit orchards or quantum models for dairy optimisation, New Zealand’s deep agricultural roots and growing tech capability make it uniquely placed to lead. Those who move early will be best placed to ride the wave of this technological revolution.
Written by Erena Calder Hawkins, Programme Engagement Lead at Sprout
