Data management solutions for primary production according to the EU data strategy

The governance of information and data is becoming increasingly centralised within the food system, which limits the ability of primary producers to influence how data related to their operations is managed and used. This project delivers a systemic transformation of data governance in primary production by developing, through interdisciplinary collaboration, operating models, structures, and their interactions. The change in operating models refers to stronger collaboration among agricultural entrepreneurs in relation to data governance, while the structural change focuses on the co‑development of services for the agricultural data space.

Drawing on existing research and development projects related to data and data spaces, the project develops cyber‑secure and information‑secure data management solutions in line with the EU Data Strategy. These solutions enable primary production actors to manage and share key production, logistics and market data within the food network, while at the same time safeguarding the trade secrets and competitiveness of farm enterprises. The project therefore constitutes an implementation initiative of the EU Data Strategy at the farm and producer organisation levels.

The transformation of the food system requires a shift from siloed “production pipelines” towards system‑level co‑development. The project develops solutions that support efficient and secure data sharing between different actors, thereby ensuring the availability and use of information across the food system in accordance with the EU Data Strategy. The project supports both the private sector and public administration by providing practical solutions for data governance and data utilisation.

The creation of data spaces requires coordination at both EU and national levels. Market‑driven data ecosystems within the agricultural data space will not emerge without the contribution of public authorities. In this project, public administration is involved in the development work through expert panel activities. This approach activates the administrative sector towards a more proactive mode of operation, enabling the prioritisation of emerging and necessary actions. Practical measures include change management training, co‑development activities, and the piloting of technological solutions.