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Data Act in agriculture – a use case

Digitalisation in agriculture is picking up speed: smart agricultural machinery, sensor technology in the field and data platforms are no longer the future, but everyday life. The EU Data Act, which sets rules for accessing, using and sharing data, is becoming a decisive factor here:

Background

Manufacturers collect a lot of data during the operation of a machine – often without farmers having direct access to it.

The Data Act creates new rights, particularly for users of smart technologies, to utilise the data collected.

In episode 24 of Data Navigator with Prof Dr Reinhard Grandke, we discussed how exactly this could work – and what the stumbling blocks are.

Data type Data type Example Who is affected
Machine data (operating status, consumption, sensor values) such as engine hours, fuel consumption, hydraulic pressure Manufacturer, farmers, workshops
Utilisation & performance data how often a machine is used, how efficiently it works Operations management, manufacturer, service provider
Environmental data & monitoring CO₂ emissions, emissions, soil moisture, weather data Consultants, research, authorities

Actors involved can be found along the entire value chain: manufacturers of smart agricultural machinery, farmers, agricultural service providers, platform providers and research institutes.

What the Data Act changes – key innovations

The Data Act brings decisive advantages for all parties involved:

Access to data

Farmers are entitled to access to data that is generated and stored during operation. Manufacturers must provide interfaces and must not unreasonably restrict access rights.

Contract design

Contracts for agricultural data – e.g. with manufacturers or platform operators – must be fair. No one-sided data monopolies may be created. The BMELH and BLE have developed model contracts and further assistance that can help to create transparency and balance.

Data transfer & third-party use

Farmers should be able to decide for themselves whether and to whom they make their data available – such as advisory services, research or platforms.

Technical requirements

Data in machine-readable formats, open interfaces, standardisation – so that the requirements can be implemented in practice and not just in theory.

CEADS (Common European Agricultural Data Space)

An ambitious EU project that aims to create data spaces for agriculture in which data can be shared interoperably, securely and under fair conditions.

Opportunities and challenges of the Data Act in the agricultural industry

Opportunities Risks / hurdles
Better data situation → more targeted decisions
(e.g. regarding operation, environment, sustainability)		 Manufacturers could only open interfaces half-heartedly or favour proprietary solutions
New business models and services relating to analyses, monitoring and increasing efficiency Unclear legal situation regarding authorship, data ownership, liability for incorrect data
More transparency, e.g. for sustainability and emissions certificates Technical implementation, data protection & data security, be it personal data or trade secrets

Recommendations for action for agricultural businesses and manufacturers

  • Carry out a data inventory: Record what data is already being generated, who is using it today and how (e.g. manufacturers, platforms).
  • Check & design contracts: Check existing contracts for machine services or data access for clauses such as access rights, transfer rights and storage; request adjustments if necessary.
  • Check technical interfaces: Manufacturers should disclose how machine and sensor data can be accessed; farmers should pay attention to open interfaces and standard formats when purchasing.
  • Education & information: Users should be informed about their rights under the Data Act – e.g. via advice centres, associations or specialised legal advice.
  • Familiarise users with the design options of the CEADS: The Common European Agricultural Data Space offers framework conditions and tools – it is worth getting in early.
  • Take part in the Data Navigator Workshop: On 28 November, we will bring together the various players involved with the Data Act: Politicians, associations, manufacturers, users and start-ups. There will also be a workshop on the agricultural industry. Register now.

Conclusion

The Data Act marks a turning point for the agricultural industry: those who act now can reap the benefits – better data, new services, more transparency. Those who wait could fall behind.

Our podcast with Prof Grandke shows that it’s not just about legal texts, but about concrete design: who data partners are, what contracts should look like and what technical solutions should be in place.

Our recommendation: listen to the podcast & find out more

If you want to delve deeper, be sure to listen to “Data Navigator #24: What does the Data Act mean for the agricultural industry” with Prof Dr Reinhard Grandke.

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