ADT Was Founded Using the Industry’s Ag Data's Core Principles
In 2014, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) observed that many of its farmer-members were concerned about the variety of new ag data products that were arriving on the market. What would happen to ag data once provided to these platforms? Would the tech providers use this data for their own purposes? Could the farmer ever get this data back? Should they trust these providers, which included legacy companies like John Deere that were developing new cloud-based products, as well as new start ups from Silicon Valley, the Midwest, and all over North America?
To address these concerns, AFBF hosted a series of round-table meetings with representatives of other interested farm groups, such as American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Farmers Union, and National Sorghum Producers. These organizations’ farmers had expressed similar concerns.
Ag tech providers were also invited to participate in these discussions. Representatives from the big equipment manufacturers were there: Deere, CNH, AGCO, as well as large seed and chemical companies, such Dow, DuPont, and Monsanto. Many smaller start-up ag tech companies were there too.
After a series of these meetings, the group drafted the The Privacy and Security Principles for Farm Data, or what today we call ag data's "Core Principles." These Core Principles represented basic guidelines that ag tech providers should be following when collecting, using, storing, and transferring farmers' ag data. These principles are the foundation for Ag Data Transparent (ADT) organization.
Awarding Companies The Ag Data Transparent Seal of Approval
Following the release of the Core Principles, many agricultural companies pledged to follow these non-binding guidelines. This was a great first step, but did not do enough to improve ag data transparency with farmers.
To verify compliance with the Core Principles, AFBF and the other interested organizations and companies formed the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator, Inc., a non-profit organization (ADT) to audit companies' ag data contracts. The organization, known by its shorthand “Ag Data Transparent” or “ADT,” developed the Ag Data Transparent seal of approval to recognize companies that follow the Core Principles.
The Process to Becoming Ag Data Transparent
Companies that want to be recognized as Ag Data Transparent must submit their contracts with farmers for certification to the ADT. In addition, companies must answer 11 questions about how they collect, store, use, and share farmers' ag data. The contracts and answers to the 11 questions are then reviewed by a third party administrator for accuracy. If the answers match what the company's contracts say, the Ag Data Transparent seal is awarded. If there is a discrepancy, the company is required to make a change before the ADT seal is awarded.
Each of the 11 questions is based upon one or more of the Core Principles. For example, one principle is portability--farmers should be able to move ag data from one platform and use their data in another platform. Accordingly, question 4 in the certification questionnaire asks: After I upload data to the Ag Tech Provider, will it be possible to retrieve my original complete dataset in an original or equivalent format?
Participating companies must answer “yes” or “no” and provide an explanation why. The final answers after certification is complete are posted only at the Ag Data Transparent website so that farmers, agronomists, and other ag professionals can review. The results also include hyperlinks to the companies' ag data contracts, in case a farmer wants to more closely examine the applicable contract language.
When a participating company changes or updates its ag data contracts, the company's answers must be updated as well if they want to continue to use the Ag Data Transparent seal. Each company undertakes an annual renewal to ensure continued compliance.
Companies can easily begin certification by clicking on the “Membership” tab on the ADT website.
Eligibility for ADT Membership
Participants in the ag data transparent certification come from many industry segments, including the seed industry, farm equipment manufactures, ag tech startups, farm cooperatives, agronomic advisors, analytic-focused platforms, and companies that offer Internet of Things devices for agriculture. Members are from all corners of the globe, but primarily come from the USA and Canada. ADT members also include platforms that collect agronomic, financial, and livestock data.
ADT has developed three categories for its members. (1) Certified Members are those ag tech companies that collect ag data from farmers. These companies are eligible to participate in the ADT certification program. (2) Industry Members are farmer-led organizations that are interested in ensuring data transparency for their members. (3) Supporting Members are primarily non-profit organizations that align with ADT’s mission.
What else can you do to help?
Many companies that collect ag data have not yet agreed to follow the ag data Core Principles. Participation is step one. Many have signed onto the Core Principles, but not achieved the Ag Data Transparent certification. This should be step two.
Ask your ag tech provider to incorporate the Core Principles into their contracts with farmers. Ask your provider to become Ag Data Transparent. And congratulate those companies that have already taken these steps.
Our Board of Directors
Emily Buckman, American Farm Bureau Federation, ADT President
Carson Fort, American Soybean Association
Jarah Hauger, John Deere
Darcy Herauf, Farm Credit Canada
Dan Lussier, EMILI Canada, ADT Vice President
Dan Mongeau, Indigo Ag
Michael R. Wenkel, National Potato Council
Tom Sell, National Sorghum Producers
Aaron Shier, National Farmers Union
Laura Lee, Combyne
Billy Tiller, GiSC
Jacob Westlin, National Association of Wheat Growers
Matt Ziegler, National Corn Growers Association, ADT Secretary/Treasurer
Deb Atwood, AGree
ADT Administrator: Todd J. Janzen, Janzen Schroeder Ag Law LLC