The Ag Data Transparency Evaluator is a tool created by a coalition of major farm organizations, commodity groups and ag tech providers (ATPs) to help farmers interpret how their data will be used.  With new technology and products continuously being introduced in the marketplace a majority of farmers don’t know where and how their data is being used.  The new tool will help producers understand who has access and control over data generated on their operation.

The tool asks ATP 10 key questions about their data policies.  A third-party administrator then reviews answers and determines if the product meets the standards set by the Privacy and Security Principles for Farm Data.  Products meeting those standards earn the “Ag Data Transparent” seal to be advertised with the product.  The Transparency Evaluator website will also allow farmers to compare products and services that have been evaluated.

Some of the 10 questions addressed by the Evaluator include: What categories of data do the product or service collect from the farmer?; Will the ATP obtain the farmer’s consent before providing other companies with access to the data?; and Will the ATP notify the farmer if a breach of data security occurs that causes disclosure of the farmer’s data to an outside party?

The coalition involved in the development of the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator includes both farmer-led industry organizations and ATPs, including AGCO, Ag Connections, Agrible, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, Beck’s Hybrids, Conservis, CNH Industrial, Crop IMS, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont Pioneer, Farm Dog, Farmobile, Granular, Grower Information Services Cooperative, GROWMARK, Independent Data Management, John Deere, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Sorghum Producers, and The Climate Corporation.

The Ag Data Transparency Evaluator is non-profit corporation.  It is governed by a board of directors from the partner organizations.  Bylaws stipulate that actions are controlled by the farmer-led organizations to ensure the initiative is not controlled by the ATPs.

Visit the website to see the list of 10 questions.  For more information, contact Ag Data Transparency Evaluator Administrator Todd Janzen at janzen@aglaw.us or board Chairperson Mary Kay Thatcher at mkt@fb.org.