FAIR FARM DATA

An initiative to let farmers reap the benefits of their data

Data has become an essential element of our lives. Data helps us in many ways; to understand things better, to connect with each other and the world, and to learn new things continuously. Data is the center of a new global economy: the data economy. This new economy brings opportunities, but also some challenges and concerns to the hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers and those dependent on them. 

For smallholder farmers right now, these new concerns are often the least of their worries. Because of their poor business case they are disproportionately exposed to problems such as sustained poverty, collapsing ecosystems, climate change, and inequality. They are clearly at the losing end of global supply chains: farming is not rewarded fairly by our economy and an average of just two to six percent of the retail price ends up in their hands. But, there is a real risk that their data farming will be absorbed as well by the global and big data economy, instead of creating true benefits for themselves.

We are convinced that we must act now to ensure the data economy for smallholder farmers is fair and inclusive. We must articulate an emerging movement that promotes and supports the creation of an inclusive data ecosystem based on a fair treatment of data. This requires a new collaboration model throughout the data value chain which gives a fair share and a fair voice to smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers need to be able to make decisions on how their data are used.

To avoid a digital divide this inclusive farm data ecosystem needs policies and regulations for data capturing, storing and distribution in a fair and responsible way by companies and other users. Digital has the promise to be the big equalizer, but only if none are excluded from this promise. With such a data ecosystem, we can bring fair value back to the original owner of those data: the smallholder farmer.

Smallholder farmer data, if properly utilized, represents real value for everyone in the supply chain and holds the promise of equalizing power. But smallholder farmers are not yet reaping these benefits. So we must promote and support the creation of an inclusive Fair Farm Data ecosystem. A new collaboration model is needed, allowing smallholder farmers to make decisions on how their data are used, guaranteeing they are benefitting.

Women harvesting cotton in India

Download the FAIR FARM DATA Manifesto

HERE

Big group of smallholder farmers

Want to join the movement? 

We want as many organizations and companies as possible to subscribe to the fair farm data manifesto and join us in the movement. If you are interested in this initiative, please subscribe to our newsletter here to stay up to date. 

If you like to discuss a more active involvement in the movement, you can contact xxx

The Fair Data Initiative is initiated and supported by: OLAM, Rabobank, Solidaridad, xxx (add logos?)

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