How to share agricultural data? EU Code of Conduct on agricultural data sharing by contractual agreement

The ag machinery industry is at the forefront of the data measuring and collecting in agriculture providing expertise and developing data management services for farmers all over Europe.

That is why, CEMA together with 8 other EU associations representing different sectors of the agro-food chain, has agreed on an 'EU Code of Conduct on agricultural data sharing by contractual agreement'.

Why a joint Code of Conduct on data-sharing for the agri-food sector?

The rise of digital farming creates an unprecedented amount of agricultural data, collected by diverse means, such as farm machines, drones, robots, satellites, sensors, meteorological stations, Copernicus, etc., which can benefit all actors involved in the agri-food chain.

But for all relevant parties to have the necessary access to data and benefit from its value, fair and transparent rules need to be clearly set, so that the data sharing is handled appropriately, securely and creating trust among partners.

The EU Code of Conduct is a non-binding document providing guidance on the use of agricultural data, looking at general principles and contractual relations where the farmer remains at the heart of the collection, processing and management of agricultural data. 

This document has been warmly welcomed by EU's Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, and EU's Digital Economy & Society Commissioner, Mariya Gabriel. It sets key principles and guidelines to deploy the full potential of digital farming in Europe in order to create value and business opportunities by applying data-driven solutions based on contractual agreements. 

The co-signatories involved in this initiative are: COPA-COGECA, Fertilizers Europe, CEETTAR, CEJA, EFFAB, FEFAC, ECPA, ESA and CEMA.

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