The Importance of Data in the Agri-Food Sector 

With the rise of digital technologies, data has become a cornerstone of economic growth, innovation, and societal advancement. However, data sharing within the European Union faces significant challenges that hinder its potential and broader adoption. These obstacles are mainly caused by data being siloed across various sectors and regions, with companies using individualized systems that block transfer of information. Also, unclear data governance within common platform often raises question of the legitimacy in control and responsibility over data. A lack of trust in data-sharing practices adds complexity to these issues, as concerns over privacy protection and potential conflicts of interest arise when sharing sensitive data. Technical barriers, along with limited incentives, further challenge smaller players in creating shareable data. 

These challenges, if not addressed, will limit the agri-food sector's ability to make data-driven decisions that could improve sustainability and efficiency. To achieve long-term success, accessible, compatible, and transparent data is essential to meet the growing demands for food security, safety, and sustainability, such as those set out in the European Green Deal. Data sharing fosters innovation and responsibility, so ensuring accessibility and interoperability is crucial for achieving broader sustainability objectives. By connecting datasets, we can gain valuable insights into environmental impacts and make informed decisions that help unify the sector to move towards a more sustainable future. 

Data4Food2030: A Collaborative Approach to Data in Agri-Food 

Data4Food2030, a four-year Horizon Europe project, seeks to harness the vast data generated within the food system. By developing a conceptual framework for the data economy in this sector and engaging key stakeholders, the project aims to maximize data's value for economic growth and informed decisions. A strong monitoring system, using insights from nine case studies, will track the development and impact of the food system's data economy. This model will provide data-driven policy recommendations, future scenarios, and a strategic roadmap for a flourishing food sector data economy. 

FoodDataQuest: Innovative Data-Driven Solutions for the Food System 

FoodDataQuest, another Horizon Europe initiative, aims to drive innovative solutions by leveraging data from across the food sector. This 3,5-year project seeks to develop a standardized framework for seamless information sharing across the food sector, from farm to fork. By examining current data practices, studying private data-sharing models, and collecting data from public and unconventional sources, the project aims to enhance the data-sharing process. Through real-world use cases, artificial intelligence and machine learning will demonstrate how data-driven insights can support sustainability and fairness in the food system. On top of that, FoodDataQuest is also developing a business model for data integration across the sector, ensuring interoperability and practical applicability for operations. Insights from use cases will guide recommendations for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and transparency, showcasing how data-driven solutions can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system.

EFFoST’s Role in Driving Innovation and Sustainability 

At EFFoST, we are dedicated to promoting innovation, sustainability, and the digital transformation of the agri-food sector. Through our active involvement in both Data4Foods and FoodDataQuest, we facilitate the exchange of ideas and provide a platform for stakeholders across the food value chain to ensure that data solutions address the sector's most pressing challenges. Our approach also consists of strategic communication efforts aimed at engaging relevant stakeholders within the food system, such as the food industry, the academic community, and policymakers. 

During EFFoST2024 International Conference we featured a dedicated special session for Data4Food2030 and FoodDataQuest, where we had the opportunity to showcase the projects and our partners, and facilitate the discussions on the transformative role of data in the food value chain. Additionally, we actively participate in workshops that connect stakeholders and encourage the exchange of ideas on data sharing within the projects. These workshops focus on identifying challenges, evaluating the current landscape, and addressing challenges surrounding data-sharing platforms. Through these efforts, EFFoST aims to support the ongoing digital transformation of the agri-food sector and contribute to its shift toward a more sustainable and resilient future.  

Want to learn more or get involved? Reach out to us at info@effost.org or visit www.fooddataquest.eu and www.data4food2030.eu.