As the “Noughties” draw to a close, one wonders how the next decade will pan out for the mushroom industry in Ireland and beyond.
In a world of increasing technology one can foresee great advances being made in the world of mushroom growing but also in the wider world of agribusiness. Increased mechanisation and perhaps robotic innovation may well bring the sci-fi future of movies and fiction closer to reality.
“What we can imagine now will be with us in 10 years, and what we can’t imagine will be with us within a generation” according to Bill Gates no less.
The future also brings with it thoughts of increased instability, due to energy shortages – the oil is still running out – some experts predict we have already passed peak production – hence the only way is down - just watch the petrol prices go up!
Climate change brings with it more gloomy prognostications, with increased conflict generated by global weather pattern changes and population shifts.
No matter what happens we can expect the teens, or whatever they’re going to be called, to be frenetic in pace, unpredictable and challenging – just like real world teens!
Global issues will become local and local issues will probably be globalised by the ever burgeoning web 2.0 interactivity.
