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Agronomic Crops Network

Ohio State University Extension

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CHOICE - The Big Data Confusion: Part 7

Choice as it relates to the discussion of data services and tools is critically important to growers today.  As a grower, you should have a choice on who to share your data with and the selection of service(s) to utilize with Agriculture Technology Providers (ATPs). According to the Privacy and Security Principles for Farm Data published by the American Farm Bureau directly states, ATPs should explain the effects and abilities of a farmer’s decision to opt in, opt out or disable the availability of services and features offered by the ATP. If multiple options are offered, farmers should be able to choose some, all, or none of the options offered. ATPs should provide farmers with a clear understanding of what services and features may or may not be enabled when they make certain choices.”

Quite simply, growers should understand options provided by ATPs and the choices provided.  An important choice to understand is whether you can “opt in” and “out of” a service and if you choose to opt out, can the ATP provide a copy of your data?   It is also important to select an ATP that clearly explains a grower’s choice to opt in, opt out, or disable any services offered and if one opts out, what are the terms.  Sometimes, multiple options are offered and trusted ATPs will ensure that all options are disclosed and clearly explained within the contract agreements.  This allows the grower to make an educated decision about what services they are receiving or utilizing.  Growers should even be given a choice as to what services are enabled for them.  Remember, choices related to data services and tools are important to a grower’s decisions and business around data.

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

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