The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) has described its Farm Data Exchange system as both “technically viable and strongly supported across the industry”, as the pilot programme draws to an end.
AHDB ran a proof-of-concept pilot for its “national, farmer-first data exchange system” to prove that it can securely draw core farm information directly from existing databases.
The system is designed to reduce the need for farmers to repeatedly enter the same information, such as cattle movements, processor data, and feed supply data, while also ensuring that the user retains full control over who can see their data and how it is used.
According to AHDB, the system’s features are aimed at addressing feedback from farmers who face growing requests for information from governments, banks, assurance bodies, and supply chains – often across multiple platforms – leading to duplication and inefficiency.
The statutory board noted that the results from the proof-of-concept indicate that there is clear demand for the Farm Data Exchange to move beyond the pilot stage.
Survey
In addition to the proof-of-concept, AHDB also carried out a survey of 450 farmers to gauge their interest in adapting such a system, with the majority describing the benefits of it as “piratical and necessary”.
Over 50% of farmers reportedly said that they would use the system if developed by AHDB.
Like many other farmers surveyed, Sophie Gregory, who was involved within the pilot, highlighted how the automatic pulling of existing data significantly reduced administrative effort and duplication, saving time and therefore money.
She said: “I’d always thought we ran a simple system, but once you look closely you realise absolutely everything is data.
“The most painful part is the duplication across so many platforms.
“As farmers, time is the thing we’re most short of and having a secure system where we can stay in control of our data is exactly what we need,” she added.
Within the survey, farmers also expressed a strong desire for a secure platform that protects their data while reducing complexity across the supply chain.
AHDB stated that it is “potentially well placed to act as a neutral intermediary in any future data sharing system” based on the feedback from the survey.
AHDB
Processors were also included within the proof-of-concept process, who reportedly recognised the potential for greater accuracy and reduced costs.
Adam Short, the data programmes associate director at AHDB, believes the farm data system provides a clear solution to reducing and securing administrative duties.
“Data is becoming central to modern agriculture and without a coordinated system, farmers risk losing control over the value of their own data.
“We’ve successfully demonstrated our ability to source primary farm data from existing databases and put farmers in full control of how their data is shared across the industry.
“The message from farmers is clear, they want AHDB to take this forward,” Short said.
Looking ahead
AHDB stated that it is now developing a commercial business plan for its board and sector councils, which will reportedly set out the options for progressing a full version of the Farm Data Exchange.
The statutory board also outlined its intention to continue engagement with industry partners and exploring a range of funding opportunities to support a long‑term system.