Adam Short
Data Programmes Associate Director, AHDB
Farming is changing fast. As climate pressures grow and supply chains demand more transparency, the information generated on farms is becoming as important as soil and seed.
From livestock records to soil carbon measurements, farms already hold vast amounts of data, but it often sits in disconnected systems that create more burden than benefit. Many farmers are required to enter the same data repeatedly for audits, environmental schemes, processors or government reporting.
Dorset organic dairy farmer Sophie Gregory has been involved in a farm data exchange pilot, led by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). She said, “I think having it all in one place is something we need to look at. I am hoping longer term (a system like the Farm Data Exchange) will get rid of some of that duplication, so I’m not having to go through invoices looking for certain things. Things will be on there, ready to go, and I can use it for compliance.”
Value in aggregating data
Sophie’s experience reflects a wider challenge. When valuable information sits in separate systems, much of its potential is lost. Yet when data is joined up and used well, it has enormous public value. Reliable farm data can help track emissions, support biodiversity recovery, improve animal health and strengthen resilience across the food system. It underpins the transparency consumers increasingly expect and supports the sustainability of the food on our plates.
As AHDB’s pilot draws to a close, we’ll soon be able to publish the results and get a view on the level of support for a system like the Farm Data Exchange.
When valuable information sits in separate systems, much of its potential is lost
Next steps in farmer-led data systems
If support across the industry is strong, the next steps will be to take it into full production later this year. The first version will likely transfer environmental data, with the farmer’s permission, and make the results easy to share under their control. Building trusted, farmer-led data systems is essential if we want a food future that is productive, transparent and resilient for farmers and consumers alike.
