Proof of concept pilot demonstrates AHDB’s Farm Data Exchange is viable and supported by industry

Our Farm Data Exchange proof-of-concept (PoC) pilot has demonstrated that a national, farmer-first data exchange system is both technically viable and strongly supported across the industry. 

The completed PoC showed that the Farm Data Exchange can securely draw core farm information, including cattle movements, processor data and feed supply data, directly from existing databases.

This reduces the need for farmers to repeatedly enter the same information while making sure they retain full control over who can see their data and how it is used.

This capability aligns with feedback from farmers who face growing requests for information from governments, banks, assurance bodies and supply chains, often across multiple platforms that leads to duplication and inefficiency. 

Results from the PoC and a survey of 450 farmers indicate that there is clear demand for the Farm Data Exchange to move beyond the pilot stage.

The majority of participating farmers described the benefits as practical and necessary, and over 50% said they would use the system if developed by AHDB.

Many highlighted how the automatic pulling of existing data significantly reduced administrative effort and duplication, saving time and therefore money. 

One of the farmers involved in the pilot, Sophie Gregory, 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.

The Farm Data Exchange was really user friendly, and I could instantly see how having everything in one place would save me a huge amount of time.

"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."

We understand that trust in such a system will be central to enable its success. The farmers surveyed described AHDB as a trusted organisation with a positive track record, potentially well-placed to act as a neutral intermediary in any future data sharing system.

They also expressed a strong desire for a secure platform that protects their data while reducing complexity across the supply chain. 

Processors involved in the PoC also recognised the potential for greater accuracy and reduced costs. They noted that a single, secure and consistent system would cut down on errors and strengthen data flows. 

Adam Short, AHDB’s Data Programmes Associate Director, said:

"The pressing need for a solution is clear. 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." 

We are now developing a commercial business plan for our board and sector councils, setting out the options for progressing a full version of the Farm Data Exchange. Alongside this, we are engaging with partners across the industry and exploring a range of funding opportunities to support a long‑term system.