“Transparency and Consistency” is this weeks principle covered for the installment of “The Big Data Confusion.” The Privacy and Security Principles for Farm Data states that:
“ATPs shall notify farmers about the purposes for which they collect and use farm data. They should provide information about how farmers can contact the ATP with any inquiries or complaints, the types of third parties to which they disclose the data and the choices the ATP offers for limiting its use and disclosure. An ATP’s principles, policies and practices should be transparent and fully consistent with the terms and conditions in their legal contracts. An ATP will not change the customer’s contract without his or her agreement.”
Simply, the terms and conditions of the contract or agreement between and Ag Technology Provider (ATP) and a farmer should be clear, concise, and consistent. Within the contract, farmers share with an ATP, there should be an explicit statement that tells the farmer exactly why and what data is being collected. For example, is only agronomic data being collected or is other types of data such as machine and production data being collected at the same time. Contracts and agreements should even specify if data is shared with a third party and clearly outline the benefits of this sharing so farmers understand who else accessed their farm data. Company contact information should be provided in the event of questions or concerns.
As review, farmers must be contacted of changes in ant data agreement and that the farmers must agree to the change(s) while access or sharing data should be clearly outlined with any third parties. The primary point of this principle is that data agreements and contracts should be clear, consistent and transparent.