Transforming Sustainable Food Production with Digital Technologies
A recent report by the Patents and Technology Observatory of the European Patent Office (EPO) reveals that digital technologies are revolutionizing sustainable food production, with a 9.4% annual growth rate in digital agriculture patent applications—a rate three times faster than the average for all technologies.
This advancement is crucial as the global population is expected to surpass 10 billion by 2050. The report highlights accelerated growth in Asia and Latin America, with Latin America registering an impressive 11% annual growth rate from 2000 to 2022.
Mexico’s Role as a Digital Agriculture Innovation Hub
Mexico has established itself as a leading innovator in agricultural technology, with institutions such as the Autonomous University of Chapingo, the Xalapa Institute of Technology, and UNAM driving key patent developments. Their significant contributions include sensors for optimized irrigation, hydric monitoring systems for fruit trees, planting robots, and IoT devices for pollinator care.
From 2018 to April 2025, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) granted 3,680 AgTech and FoodTech patents, with 464 being Mexican. This underscores the role of academia in knowledge transfer and public-private collaboration.
“The digital component of agricultural innovation is transforming our understanding of productivity and sustainability in farming. For Mexico, shared prosperity goes beyond the social aspect; it incorporates digital innovation as a driver of equity and development. Intellectual property is not just a protection tool but a lever that turns knowledge into practical solutions, strengthening our rural communities, driving investment, and creating jobs,” said Santiago Nieto, General Director of IMPI.
Nieto further emphasized, “At IMPI, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering this ecosystem, positioning Latin America as a digital agriculture reference, and making technological innovation the backbone of a more equitable, competitive, and inclusive Mexico. International cooperation and knowledge exchange, backed by a robust intellectual property system, are essential for these innovations to reach the fields and directly benefit our rural communities and the world.
Latin America’s Agricultural Production and Export Potential
The study also highlights Latin America’s historical production and export performance from 2010 to 2020, projecting that by 2050 the region could supply two to three out of every five fruits and vegetables globally.
Europe and Asia: Key Drivers of Digital Agriculture
Europe leads in digital agriculture patent activity, driven by a dynamic ecosystem with 194 startups and 125 active universities. Asia surpassed North America in patent applications in 2020, solidifying its importance in the sector.
Global Trends in Smart Agriculture
Global smart agriculture trends include imagery and sensor technology, automation, drone usage, and artificial intelligence (AI), which are reshaping the agricultural landscape and enabling greater precision and efficiency.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic of this article? The article discusses how digital agriculture innovation is rapidly growing in Mexico and Latin America, with patent applications increasing at three times the global average.
- Why is this growth significant? This growth is crucial as the global population is expected to surpass 10 billion by 2050, necessitating sustainable food production methods.
- Which countries are leading digital agriculture innovation? Mexico, along with Europe and Asia, are key drivers of digital agriculture innovation.
- What technologies are revolutionizing agriculture? Technologies such as imagery and sensor technology, automation, drone usage, and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the agricultural sector.
- What role does intellectual property play in this growth? Intellectual property is not just a protection tool but also a lever that turns knowledge into practical solutions, driving rural development and job creation.
