La Food Intelligence is an emerging field that uses advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the machine learning algorithm and biotechnology to optimize food production, distribution and consumption. It aims to improve the quality and safety of food, making production chains more efficient and ensuring environmental sustainability. Through data analysis and technological innovation, food intelligence seeks to respond to global food safety challenges and adapt to the ever-changing needs of consumers.
Tecnopolis is a consortium company created by the University of Bari with the aim of applying research results to the benefit of the regional territory, public administrations, businesses and citizens. There we met Dr. Annamaria Annichiarico, sole director and general director of Science and Technology Park of Valenzano, to understand thee future research challenges.
What are the main aspects of Food Intelligence? According to her, they are sufficientArtificial intelligence, Machine Learning and biotechnology to address global food security challenges?
Today, food intelligence focuses on technical and commercial improvements to increase production and sales. However, we need a broader vision that includes sustainability and control, otherwise we risk problems such as those of intensive crops, which produce lower quality food and do not solve world hunger. Artificial intelligence and machine learning help understand complex phenomena and suggest effective interventions.
It is essential to combine technical skills and experience in complex environments, involving all players in the system with visionary leadership. An example in Italy is Arete in Bologna, which supports clients in interpreting sector data to outline future scenarios and prepare adequately.
The Food Industry Intelligence Network (FIIN), created in 2015 by 21 leading companies, works to ensure supply chain integrity and protect consumer interests. This network promotes convergence between consumer protection and producer interests, improving communication and results through data analysis and collaboration between parties. Today, this attention ensures better quality products and services for the consumer, also shared by producers.
Can we call it an emerging field?
Let's say that food intelligence is certainly something relatively recent, but I wouldn't define it that way. The real emerging field, in my opinion, is Food safety, this is because, beyond measures of various kinds of control and protection, which until now have been, let's say, the only way to have some governance of the same, only after the beginning of the new millennium did we begin to find the way organizational to involve all the actors: those who produce the raw material, those who transform it, those who market it, consumers, agents, protection organizations and so on...
Are crop mapping, crop yield forecasting and field delineation sufficient to provide a framework for food security?
All elements such as mapping crops and predicting their yield are important, but not sufficient. These descriptive data are classic results of artificial intelligence, but to truly manage food safety, it is necessary to govern the entire supply chain, adopting adequate standards and verification procedures. Training and updating of operators is also essential, since the change of mentality and the adequacy of knowledge are essential to manage new technologies.
Another key element is the continuous transfer of research results to the market. Often, basic research is not immediately useful to companies and there is a difficulty in making research needs explicit. Industrial doctorates, where researchers work both in universities and companies, try to bridge this gap, bringing research closer to the real needs of companies.
Food security is not just about the quality of food, but also about the availability of sufficient and healthy food for everyone. This implies not only efficient distribution, but also the quality of food. The issue also includes artificial foods and insect meals, which must be compatible with health and quality of life.
The problem of malnutrition affects millions of people who suffer from hunger due to internal tensions, limited resources and production difficulties. By 2050, the population to feed will grow by 60%, especially in developing countries. Therefore, in addition to quantity, it is essential to guarantee the quality and safety of food. This requires policies, economic measures and environmental and social considerations. In essence, all sectors must work together as part of an integrated system.
What are the future challenges of Food Intelligence? Are Data Complexity, Public Acceptance of Technological Innovations Challenges or Do They Already Have Solutions?
Future challenges? I refer to a report called “Snack To The Future”, which offers a prediction of how food will arrive on our tables in 2040 and how technology will influence our food choices. A Channel Five journalist explained an interesting idea: in the future, artificial intelligence could be used to simulate an individual with our genetic heritage and see the impact of different food choices in the long term. Although it seems like science fiction, this technology is already possible.
Total spending on new food technologies in 2040 is expected to be around £66 billion, indicating an economic and innovation revolution. The European Union has launched a program called EIT FOOD, dedicated to the entire food ecosystem, from policies to the main actors, both public and private, up to the training and information of citizens and consumers.
This industry promises huge financial returns, especially considering the health savings that come from a better diet. In Italy, an interesting analysis describes eleven boundaries of the future of food. For example, you might get information from your breath to understand how your body reacts to food. Personalized diets, based on data collected and processed with artificial intelligence, will become increasingly precise.
Another concept is to integrate beauty and well-being, with foods that improve skin health and rebalance hormones. In the future, foods will be chosen not only to nourish, but also to improve specific aspects of health, demonstrating the link between nutrition quality and general well-being.
What input does Technological Evolution require in research and development to guarantee effective and sustainable solutions in this field?
I won't say much about 3D printing, as printed flesh has raised a lot of controversy. However, imagine a 3D printer that produces food on demand, with precise quality and quantity. This scenario is not that far from reality. Furthermore, the ways in which food is consumed will also change: we are talking about immersive catering, which allows you to concentrate completely on the experience of eating, involving all the senses.
Regarding the complexity of data and the acceptance of technological innovations, good information and education of the public is essential. Technology is more easily accepted when it is immediately useful and understandable, as has been the case with mobile phones. The real challenge is not the complexity of the data, but its protection. Cybersecurity is crucial, especially for sensitive health data. Most people and many companies do not take adequate security measures, exposing themselves to significant risks.
Projects like CETMA-DISME at Tecnopolis in Puglia work to protect data through cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. This project creates a Digital Innovation Hub to help small and medium-sized businesses approach new technologies. Businesses can receive free assistance in implementing these technologies, and if the problem cannot be solved locally, the national network of EDIHs can offer support.
To ensure effective and sustainable solutions, technological innovation requires collaboration between producers, distributors and consumers. Projects such as EIT FOOD and consumerlab redefine the characteristics of products to bring them closer to consumer needs. Research and development must be increasingly closer to the places and distribution channels to support a technological offer and respond to the real needs of the market. This sector, thanks to innovation, can improve our health and longevity, but an adequate diet is essential to avoid nutrition-related diseases.