by Policy Options. Originally published on Policy Options
January 23, 2025
Across the globe, farmers are turning to data to improve their agricultural practices. This data helps them decide what crops to plant, when to plant them, and how to manage pests and resources. By using various sources, like sensors, drones, and farm logs, farmers gather crucial information on crop yields, soil health, weather patterns, and more.
Farmers, researchers, government agencies, and NGOs use this information to boost productivity and ensure sustainable practices. However, this reliance on technology raises important questions. Who controls the data? Who benefits from it? There are worries that focusing too much on data-driven decisions might overlook the vital human aspects of farming. Additionally, access to data is uneven, often leaving smallholder farmers at a disadvantage compared to large corporations and well-resourced entities.
Big players in the agriculture sector can gather and analyze vast amounts of data, while smaller farms may struggle to compete. This disparity can exacerbate existing inequalities in the food system. There are crucial discussions about whether data should be controlled by a few or shared broadly, especially in regions where traditional farming knowledge has been passed down through generations. If access to data remains limited, it could erode these time-honored practices, pushing smaller farmers further to the edge.
Canada has a chance to lead by promoting fair agricultural data governance. By updating its laws, Canada can ensure farmers have control over their data. This step is vital, especially as global power dynamics can threaten food systems and vulnerable communities.
The way data is handled affects many areas in agriculture. Here are five important dynamics:
- Agenda-setting: Influential groups like corporations and governments often shape the conversation around food and technology, determining which solutions are pursued.
- Data generation: The tools used to collect data are often biased towards those in power. This can overlook the needs of marginalized communities.
- Research priorities: The interests of funding sources can shape which research gets attention, as seen in debates about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- Market control: Mergers, like the one between Bayer and Monsanto, create monopolies that can stifle competition and innovation.
- Ownership issues: Corporations usually retain control of valuable agricultural data, often limiting farmers’ abilities to negotiate or share their own data.
The growing inequality in access to agri-food data is a pressing issue. Presently, a small number of large agribusiness companies controls most of the global grain trade. A single policy change by one of these corporations could drastically alter regulations affecting food systems worldwide.
This situation is reminiscent of colonial-era resource extraction, where only select individuals gained, while vulnerable communities suffered. If governance frameworks don’t address these inequities, they could lead to unrest and instability.
Canada can play a crucial role in ethical agricultural data governance, ensuring that it promotes fairness and sustainability. As consumers and investors become increasingly aware of ethical concerns in agriculture, there will be greater pressure on corporations to address these issues. Ensuring fair data access aligns with global goals like ending hunger and promoting gender equality.
For a sustainable future, countries need to take a closer look at how agri-food data is governed. A collaborative approach that includes input from diverse stakeholders—especially those from marginalized communities—will help create a more equitable system. This framework should consider the unique needs of farmers, Indigenous groups, and other crucial players. Engaging these voices will lead to better policymaking and ensure that the benefits of agricultural advancements are shared more widely.
By working together, Canada, along with other nations, can create a just and sustainable agricultural data system for the future.
This article first appeared on Policy Options and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
