I’m not “silicon valley,” but only a single programmer who has an interest in agriculture. The author is talking about large scale farms. What about small scale farmers? In my experience with those farmers, they don’t typically have the access or money to afford tech. Do you not think there’s an opportunity to create cheap tech tools—automation and robotics—for small scale farmers?
There is. But its hard to recoup any profit for the same reason you don't hear about iPhone's/premium tech in poor countries/region. Money just isn't there. Also, as pointed out, most farms are larger and getting larger. Small farms and small farmers will (in general) be aggregated (according to history at least).
I don't have any data to support this, but hasn't farm consolidation already happened? In my area, the small scale movement is only growing. That's based on observation and no data.
Edit: I realize that a small scale farm doesn't "scale" like VC business wants so it's not even in the conversation about venture capital. But small business will always (hopefully) be a viable endeavor for somebody.
I think (hope) there are opportunities around connecting small farmers directly with customers for both produce and value-added prepared food. There are a few "virtual farmer's market" services already.
But this is much more an issue of marketing and communication than technology, eh?
