Course:FNH200/Projects/2024/Botanist Interview (in Korea)

Interview option (Option A)

• Name of the interviewee: Woonseon Baek
• Name of the workplace: Handl Agro (in Korea)
• Role of the interviewee at the company: Botanist, part-time professor

Interview Questions

Can you explain the short-term and long-term effects of agricultural chemicals use on crop health and yield?

• Agricultural chemicals control pests and diseases, leading to an increase in crop health and yield in the short term. However, in the long term, the crops would eventually develop tolerance to the chemicals. Also, depending on the chemicals, some chemicals may adversely affect crop growth. For example, the EBI class (triazole class) inhibits growth. Triazole-type agents are used in the seedling process to prevent excessive elongation.

What are some common misconceptions about the use of agricultural chemicals?

• People suppose that agricultural chemicals are dangerous. However, as long as they use the right amount of agricultural chemicals on crops, it does not affect human health at all. Crops also need medicine when they are sick, just like humans.

What are the potential health risks associated with agricultural chemical residues on crops?

• When agricultural chemicals are used more than the appropriate amount, then people consuming the crops can directly be affected by the chemicals, or they may consume animals that have ingested crops with chemical residue, which can also lead to potential health risks.
• One of the potential health risks is affecting the nervous system, depending on the substance of the agricultural chemicals.

What types of crops or vegetables are currently on trend among farmers, and why do you think these crops and/or vegetables are becoming popular?

• lettuce, chives, yeolmu are fresh vegetable types that usually have a short storage life, leading to higher prices. Thus, they are popular to grow nowadays.

Are there any crops or vegetables that are especially easy/hard to grow?

• Chives, lettuce, and yeolmu are also especially easy to grow, as they have short cultivation periods.

How do you ensure consumers’ safety when treating crops?

• Each country has safety regulations regarding agricultural chemicals. There are safety regulations concerning the use of chemicals. For example, for lettuce, a pesticide called A can be used up to three times, with the last application being at least 7 days before harvest. Additionally, the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (in Korea) randomly collects samples before a crop is shipped. They also frequently collect samples from wholesale agricultural markets and vegetable stores for pesticide residue testing. The pesticide sellers are required to record all personal information and send daily sales data to the Rural Development Administration. Thus, I ensure to prescribe the right amount of chemicals and tell them how to use them properly.

What are the biggest challenges you face when diagnosing and treating diseased crops?

• If I were to prescribe the wrong chemicals, it may affect the whole crop field. Thus, it is crucial to acquire knowledge and judge exactly what types of pests and diseases the diseased crops have.

What do you foresee as the biggest challenges as a botanist in agricultural fields?

• Climate change.

5-min Video with Captions describing Key Points of Interest at the Work Site

5-min video (with captions): https://youtu.be/P2mDERNAPlo?si=e2h41iqELX-EwEKH

Diagnosing and prescribing the chemicals:

• image: File:Diagnosing and prescribing the chemicals 1.jpg
• image: File:Diagnosing and prescribing the chemicals 2.jpg

Chemical Fertilizer Storage

• image: File:Chemical and fertilizer storage 2.jpg
• image: File:Chemical and fertilizer storage 1.jpg

Use of microscopes:

• image: File:Using microscope for more precise diagnose 1.jpg

Seed storage

• image: File:Seed storage 1.jpg

Use of organic fertilizers

• image: File:Organic chemicals 1.jpg

Summary

The interview with Woonseon Baek provided significant insights into the use of agricultural chemicals, their effects, and the current trends in crop cultivation. By comparing the interview responses with course materials, several connections and gaps were identified.

Baek highlighted both the short-term benefits and long-term consequences of agricultural chemicals. Short-term benefits include increased crop health and yield through pest and disease control. However, long-term use can lead to crop tolerance to these chemicals and potential adverse effects on crop growth, such as those caused by triazole-type agents. This aligns with our course discussions on sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of managing chemical use to prevent resistance and negative impacts on crop health.

Baek addressed common misconceptions about agricultural chemicals, emphasizing that when used correctly, they do not pose significant health risks. This perspective challenges the often negative public perception and underscores the importance of informed chemical application, resonating with our coursework on consumer safety and risk communication.

The interview responses were systematically analyzed, distinguishing Baek's insights from our reflections and course materials. The logical sequence of thoughts enabled a coherent understanding of the topic. For instance, Baek's explanation of the meticulous safety protocols in treating crops and the regulatory framework in place were clearly articulated, linking back to our discussions on regulatory compliance and consumer safety.

The biggest challenge faced by botanists, as noted by Baek, is climate change. This echoed the course's focus on environmental sustainability and the pressing need for adaptive agricultural practices. The integration of scientific facts, such as the effects of agricultural chemicals on the nervous system and the benefits of precision agriculture, provided a well-rounded perspective on modern agricultural practices.

In conclusion, this project underscored the importance of bridging academic knowledge with real-world applications in agriculture. The interview with Woonseon Baek enriched our understanding of the complexities involved in using agricultural chemicals, the ongoing advancements in agricultural technology, and the critical role of sustainable practices in ensuring food safety and quality. These insights are crucial for future agricultural scientists in fostering a balanced approach to crop management and contributing to the broader goals of food security and sustainability.

Questions from Dr. Judy

How does climate change affect the food systems in BC? Either in agricultural practices or in food processing/production. I like to see some examples.

Agricultural Practices

• Temperature Changes:
  • Warmer temperatures can lead to longer growing seasons, but they also increase the risk of heat stress on crops. This can reduce yields and affect the quality of produce.

• Water Scarcity:
  • Changes in precipitation patterns can result in water scarcity, affecting irrigation practices. Farmers may need to invest in more efficient irrigation systems or shift to drought-resistant crop varieties.

Food Processing/Production

• Supply Chain Disruptions:
  • Extreme weather events such as floods or droughts can disrupt supply chains, leading to delays in food processing and distribution.
• Energy Costs:
  • Changes in climate can affect energy costs, as more energy may be needed for cooling or heating during processing and storage, impacting the overall cost of food production.  
• Example:
  • Wine Industry in BC: Warmer temperatures have allowed BC’s wine industry to expand, with new grape varieties now being cultivated. However, this also increases the risk of heatwaves affecting grape quality and yield. It is said that Wine Growers BC, a leading industry association, estimates the damage from January alone will cost the industry $440 to $445 million.

How has AI been used in food production in Canada? Who are leading in the use of AI? What are some examples?

Precision Agriculture:

• AI-powered drones and sensors are used to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns. This data helps farmers make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, leading to increased crop yields and reduced resource use.

Food Processing:

• AI systems are used to automate sorting and grading of food products based on quality, size, and ripeness. This ensures consistency and quality in food products, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. TELUS, a major telecommunications company, has expanded into agriculture with its AI-driven solutions that help farmers optimize their operations. Their platform provides insights on crop health, weather patterns, and pest management, enhancing decision-making for farmers.

Examples of AI in Action:

• AI-Powered Drones in Precision Agriculture: Companies like PrecisionHawk and Resson Aerospace use AI-powered drones to capture high-resolution images of crops. These images are analyzed to detect signs of stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies, allowing farmers to address issues promptly and optimize their yields.

Team Reflection

Positioning ourselves within the professional context, this interview deepened our understanding of agricultural chemicals' role in crop management. As a student in a science course, I gained valuable knowledge on the balance required between beneficial use and potential risks. Baek's expertise reinforced the necessity of adhering to safety regulations and precise application techniques to ensure consumer safety. This aligns with our course objectives, highlighting the critical role of accurate information and education in agricultural practices.

Our learnings from the interview include a clearer comprehension of the practical challenges faced by botanists, such as diagnosing diseased crops accurately and the impact of climate change on agriculture. The discussion on climate change's effects on BC's food systems, such as temperature changes and water scarcity, provided real-world examples that complemented our theoretical studies. The BC wine industry's adaptation to warmer temperatures while facing new challenges is a pertinent example of climate resilience in agriculture.

The interview also illuminated the innovative use of AI in food production, particularly in precision agriculture and food processing. Companies like TELUS are leading in AI-driven solutions, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology in optimizing agricultural practices. This connection between AI advancements and improved crop management aligns with our course's emphasis on integrating technology in sustainable agriculture.

Exam Question

Question:

Describe the short-term and long-term effects of agricultural chemical use on crop health and yield, and explain the misconceptions about these chemicals. Why is it important for future agricultural scientists to understand these aspects?

Correct Answers:

1. Short-term Effects:
   • Agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, can significantly improve crop health and yield by controlling pests and diseases.
   • They can lead to healthier crops and higher productivity in the immediate growing season.
2. Long-term Effects:
   • Over time, crops may develop tolerance to certain chemicals, reducing their effectiveness.
   • Some chemicals can adversely affect crop growth; for instance, triazole-type agents can inhibit growth if used improperly.
3. Common Misconceptions:
   • A prevalent misconception is that all agricultural chemicals are inherently dangerous to human health.
   • When used in appropriate amounts, agricultural chemicals do not pose significant health risks and are necessary for managing crop health, similar to how humans use medicines.
4. Importance for Future Agricultural Scientists:
   • Understanding the balance between the benefits and risks of agricultural chemical use is crucial for sustainable farming practices.
   • Future agricultural scientists must be equipped to educate the public, dispel myths, and implement safe and effective crop management strategies.

Explanation:

This question should be on the final exam because it connects agricultural chemical use to food safety and nutrition, which are essential topics in FNH 200. Before starting this project, many students might not fully understand how agricultural practices directly impact the safety and nutritional quality of the food supply. By the end of the project, students should recognize that the responsible use of agricultural chemicals can help ensure a safe and abundant food supply while also understanding the potential risks of misuse. This question ensures that students reflect on their learning journey, understand the interplay between agricultural practices and food nutrition, and can communicate these insights to others, which is crucial for their future roles in food and nutrition.