By Nigel Maxwell

Farm tech

Survey says farmers welcome technology update but worry about ‘sharing’

Feb 5, 2019 | 1:44 PM

More farmers are using their tablets and phones to help better their business, but a growing number of farmers are cautious about who sees their data.

This was one of the findings of a survey completed by the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Vision Panel. Greg Thomarat is FCC’s Manager of Marketing and Sales.

“The results showed 25 per cent of the more than 2,000 Canadian farmers we questioned, were less comfortable sharing data with outside organizations – such as suppliers – as they were over the past two years,” he said.

Last year, FCC launched AgExpert Field, which enables producers to record, share and analyze field data, such as inputs, yields and field conditions – right from their cellphone. Thomarat said they were not surprised by the survey findings.

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“We were generally aware that there was a growing discomfort in agriculture in Canada with how data was being collected and used, and we wanted to quantify that as best we could,” he said.

While the hesitation of farmers was clearly expressed, the survey also revealed farmers felt technology was still very important and useful. Sixty-nine per cent of those surveyed said they believed technology can increase efficiency, lower costs and result in better yields, while 65 per cent said they believe it can improve management control and decision-making.

“There is no doubt that privacy protection and control over where and how farm data is used is a top-of-mind issue for a majority of producers,” Fred Wall, FCC marketing vice-president said in a statement. “At the same time, most see the benefits of using technology to improve their operations, reduce paperwork and help them make better decisions in a growing and dynamic industry.”

In 2018, FCC AgExpert became the first agriculture software in Canada to receive the Ag Data Transparent (ADT) seal for its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ data. The not-for-profit company’s North American certification standard means FCC takes steps to ensure farm data inputted into its new web-based software package is secure, so customers can enjoy the benefits without the worries.

“Our survey shows data transparency is top of mind for our customers and it’s a priority for us,” Wall said. “This certification tells producers exactly how we handle their data, what we do with it and who has access to it.”