AF's AI & ML Engineer Emmanouil Tsolias is a firm believer that, used in the right way, AI can be a force for intelligent, data-led decision making. Hear how he's harnessing the positive power of AI to benefit AF Members.
“I’m an AI professional with a Computer Engineering background and a master’s in Artificial Intelligence. At AF, I build data-driven tools that help spot risk early, reduce avoidable admin, and protect the value of our collective buying power - so more benefit flows back to Members.”
“I studied Computer Engineering in Greece and contributed to a research programme that used AI to help predict virus outbreaks. That experience showed me what AI can unlock when it’s applied for common benefit. After graduating, I moved to the UK to complete a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence. I joined AF because the organisation has a clear, pragmatic AI strategy and a focus on using technology to deliver real value for Members.”
“Most AI work is technical, but the aim is simple: use data and algorithms to extract insights you can’t reliably get from looking a spreadsheet - then turn those insights into something useful.
“Every day I learn a bit more about how AF works together with farmers, and that helps me spot where AI tools could genuinely add value.”
Emmanouil works with colleagues across AF to extract data insights
“Farming has always had its ups and downs, and we know tight cash flow can be a reality for many Members. One tool we’re developing helps us distinguish between a Member going through a difficult period and the rare case where purchasing patterns may indicate deliberate misuse. Identifying genuine risk earlier means we can intervene sooner, reduce time spent chasing issues, and protect our collective buying power - so it can be reinvested into better deals for everyone.
"We’re also building an internal communications insight tool that analyses themes in messages and feedback to help us:
spot recurring complaints and service friction early
prioritise fixes to improve processes and response times
highlight emerging market opportunities and Member needs.
“Our overarching goal is always to improve our processes and make sure we're delivering the best possible service.”
“One of my first conversations here was with senior leadership about our AI vision. You often hear headlines about AI replacing people, but what I heard here is the opposite: we don’t want to replace colleagues who speak to Members - we want to use AI to remove repetitive tasks so they have more time to help Members.
“In some organisations, AI is used to extract more value from customers. At AF, we focus on extracting more value for Members - through better decisions, better service, and stronger outcomes.”
“AI tools usually perform best with enough scale and good-quality data. As the UK’s largest agricultural co-operative, AF can get better intelligence from our data, which supports stronger supplier negotiations and helps secure better deals for Members.”
“AI has moved into the mainstream quickly, and the market changes constantly. Many expensive solutions are heavily marketed but don’t perform well when put into practice. A key part of my role is separating what’s genuinely useful from what would be a costly distraction – making sure AF invests in the right tools.”
