GrainsWest Fall 2018

Fall 2018 Grains West 20 BY ALLISON FINNAMORE Ag service providers help farmers protect digital information SECURING THE DATA HARVEST N AN AGE OF PRECISION FARMING AND mobile management apps, farmers have become increasingly aware that security and protection of the massive amount of data they generate is a crucial aspect of handling that information. Todd Janzen is an agricultural lawyer and administrator with Ag Data Transparent (ADT), a non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Representing a coalition of major farm organizations, commodity groups and agricultural technology providers, it audits corporate ag data contracts signed by farmers. The group developed the ADT seal of approval, recognizing compliance with its principles. Among these, are a commitment to the use of simple language in contracts; an outline of expectations for data ownership, collection, access and control; a pledge to maintain transparency and consistency; non-disclosure to unauthorized parties; and, maintenance of security safeguards. Janzen explained that while farmers own the data created on their farms, “there are multiple stakeholders that may have an interest in the farmer’s data when using online platforms. Farmers are responsible for making sure the data they upload is theirs, or used by permission.” It’s all in the agreements farmers sign when using ag data platforms. Kelly Bronson, Canada’s research chair candidate in science and society at the University of Ottawa, has been I FEATURE studying digital farming in Canada for several years. “A digital agricultural revolution is certainly afoot,” she said. However, she pointed out there has been little critical reflection, among either practitioners or academics, about the social implications of the data collection, and it is important farmers proceed with care. Bronson’s research is based on studying the landscape of digital farming in Canada and its accompanying regulatory decisions. While research is ongoing, she said preliminary findings suggest the role these digital innovations play in Canadian agriculture is complex. Janzen, however, noted that industry is moving on regardless of academic research. Having attended InfoAg 2018, a Missouri conference focused on precision agriculture, he also noted ag data platforms have come of age. “A few years ago, the trade show would have been crowded by ag data collection and storage tools, but those seem to have dwindled this year. I think that is because ag data platforms have matured and there is no longer much room for new entrants in the marketplace,” he said. Due to mergers and acquisitions, the marketplace also has fewer players. Remi Schmaltz, CEO of Decisive Farming, an Alberta- based company providing a range of agronomic and farm management services, said it’s important to define the term “data security” with farmers. Is it a matter of a third party, rogue hacker, accessing data without permission? Or does the intent of the term relate to farm data that a farmer may