Coined Term • 2016
Crowdfarming
A crowdsourcing approach to boost agricultural innovation by engaging external talent and diverse problem-solvers in farming challenges.
Status
Coined by Joseph Byrum
Year Introduced
2016
Domain
Agricultural Innovation
Understanding Crowdfarming
Crowdfarming applies the principles of crowdsourcing specifically to agricultural challenges. Coined by Joseph Byrum in 2016, this methodology enables agribusinesses to tap into global networks of scientists, data analysts, and problem-solvers to accelerate innovation in farming and food production.
Traditional agricultural R&D relies on internal teams with limited perspectives. Crowdfarming breaks this constraint by opening complex problems—such as crop optimization, pest resistance, and climate adaptation—to external talent through open innovation platforms. This approach leverages cognitive diversity to generate solutions that internal teams might never discover.
The methodology proved particularly effective during Byrum’s leadership of analytics initiatives at Syngenta, where crowdfarming competitions attracted thousands of participants worldwide to solve breeding and genetics challenges. This resulted in breakthrough algorithms that improved genetic gain performance while reducing development costs.
Related Articles
Publications exploring the Crowdfarming concept
INFORMS OR/MS Today
Crowdfarming, or How to Boost Agricultural Innovation
Foundational article introducing the crowdfarming methodology and its applications in agriculture.
MIT Sloan Review
Improving Analytics Capabilities Through Crowdsourcing
How organizations can leverage crowdsourcing to enhance analytical capabilities.
AgFunderNews
Boosting Agriculture’s Climate Resilience
How AI and crowdsourced innovation address climate challenges in agriculture.
INFORMS OR/MS Today
Optimizing Business With Open Innovation
Strategic framework for leveraging open innovation to optimize business outcomes.
AgFunderNews
The Case for Open Innovation in Agriculture
Why agribusinesses should embrace open innovation for competitive advantage.
INFORMS Analytics
The OODA Loop Approach to Innovation
Applying military decision-making frameworks to accelerate innovation cycles.
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Complexity, AI and the Future of Food
6-part series on AI applications in agriculture
The Case for Open Innovation in Agriculture
Series on open innovation strategies for agribusiness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crowdfarming?
Crowdfarming is a crowdsourcing approach to boost agricultural innovation by engaging external talent in farming challenges. Coined by Joseph Byrum in 2016, it applies open innovation principles specifically to agricultural R&D, enabling organizations to tap into global networks of scientists and problem-solvers.
How does Crowdfarming differ from traditional agricultural R&D?
Traditional agricultural R&D relies exclusively on internal teams with limited perspectives. Crowdfarming opens complex farming challenges to external participants worldwide through open innovation platforms, leveraging cognitive diversity to discover solutions that internal teams might never identify on their own.
Who coined the term Crowdfarming?
Joseph Byrum coined the term Crowdfarming in 2016 while leading analytics initiatives at Syngenta. He introduced the concept in his article “Crowdfarming, or How to Boost Agricultural Innovation” published in INFORMS OR/MS Today, where he documented how the methodology improved genetic gain performance through global crowdsourcing competitions.
What types of agricultural challenges can Crowdfarming address?
Crowdfarming can address a wide range of agricultural challenges including crop yield optimization, pest and disease resistance, climate adaptation strategies, breeding algorithm development, supply chain efficiency, and predictive analytics for farming operations. The methodology is particularly effective for complex problems that benefit from diverse analytical approaches.
How does Crowdfarming relate to food security?
Crowdfarming directly contributes to food security by accelerating agricultural innovation needed to feed a growing global population. By tapping into worldwide talent pools, the methodology helps develop climate-resilient crops, improve yield predictions, and optimize farming practices—all critical factors in ensuring sustainable food production.
External References
Explore Joseph Byrum’s complete body of work on agricultural innovation and open innovation strategies.