Field at sunset with a tractor driving through it, a drone flying above, and digital lines off to the side going into the forest.

AI-LEAF Institute

60-70%

increase in global food production is needed by 2050.

10%

of US jobs are connected to agriculture.

21%

of carbon emissions could be removed from US soil, forests and nature.

Calling All Undergrads

Application deadline for the 2026-27 AI-LEAF Undergraduate Scholars Program closes Sept 11, 2026.

Outline of the United States with logos of where partner institutes are located.

AI-LEAF (National AI Research Institute for Land, Economy, Agriculture & Forestry) is one of seven National AI Research Institutes (NAIRIs) announced on May 4, 2023.

AI-LEAF is a joint effort of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (lead), Colorado State University, Cornell University, Delaware State University, North Carolina State University, Purdue University, and ISRIC - World Soil Information.

Our Vision:

Transform the science of AI for better decision-making in agriculture and forestry. Co-create solutions to accelerate adoption of regenerative and resilient practices, while improving productivity, profitability and land stewardship.

Our Mission:

Use AI to increase agricultural productivity while protecting our finite water and soil resources that control future food production. Food security and environmental quality can become mutually reinforcing, not competing, outcomes.

Demand is rising while the natural assets required to meet it are under pressure.

  • Farm viability: Rising water, fertilizer and chemical costs compress margins.
  • Water quality: Nutrient runoff contaminates wells and contributes to harmful algal blooms.
  • Food security: Weather volatility, crop failure and regional water shortages amplify supply risk
  • Soil productivity: Uniform treatment accelerates degradation and weakens long-term yield potential.
US Dept of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and National Science Foundation

AI Institute for Land, Economy, Agriculture & Forestry is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture and award #2023-67021-39829 in collaboration with the National Science Foundation.