A radical transformation of the agricultural sector is envisioned by many with the increased application of ‘smart’ technologies in farming and food production. Significant social and cultural changes are expected with the emergence of ‘Digital Agriculture’ and the widespread application of smart, connected technologies in farming. Although offering many benefits and opportunities for agriculture, new technologies can also bring unpredictable or unforeseen impacts and social changes. Responsible Research and Innovation, a cornerstone of the EU H2020 programme, is a governance framework which supports the development of technologies in a way that harnesses the benefits whilst managing the risks – it aims to ensure the trajectory of innovation is responsive to the concerns, needs and expectations of society.
FAIRshare is committed to the principles of RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation). A series of ‘RRI workshops’ within WP7 focus on cross-cutting ‘hot topics’ which consider the social changes technology can bring. The first cross-cutting hot topic for reflection in Year 1 of the FAIRshare project has been that of ‘data and ethics in digital agriculture’. This topic has raised many questions in agricultural circles, also relevant for advisory services. What are the issues surrounding data ownership and data sharing that farm advisory services should be cognisant of as more and more digital technologies are introduced to farming communities? What are the ethical and legal issues that farm advisory services may encounter, and how can they be supported to recognise and respond to these issues? What are the ‘new skills’ that farm advisory services may need to acquire to deal with ethical issues related to data in digital agriculture?
The main risks consortium partners associated with data generation through the use of DATS included: manipulation of data (misuse of data); integrity of data (trustworthiness of data); power shifts; and rights of the farmer. Suggested responses require actions from a wide range of actors but of particular relevance for the FAIRshare project, a number of actions were identified which involve the advisor. The advisor is viewed as having a gatekeeper role and can help to (1) raise awareness and inform farming communities about this issue; (2) provide practical support, education and training to farmers in this area; and (3) ensure that the actions and behaviours they themselves undertake with respect to DATS are responsible. It was identified that for advisors to assume such roles, training and awareness in the area of data and ethics in digital agriculture is first and foremost required for advisory services. The FAIRshare project should consider actions to support farm advisors to assume a gatekeeper role in ensuring responsible governance of data in digital agriculture.
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