AgriDataSpace: Building a European framework for a secure and trusted agricultural data space
Building blocks and roadmap scenarios for secured data sharing
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
AgriDataSpace is a policy brief that provides a roadmap to create a Common European Agricultural Data Space (CEADS) enabling secure and trusted agricultural data sharing. CEADS was launched in January 2025 aiming to deploy and operationalise the data space to ensure secured and trusted data sharing for the agrifood sector. To operationalize the aims of the initiative, common visions include treating CEADS as a decentralised system working as a network rather than a central European solution, the data space is built on four pillars which include Legal and Ethics framework, multi-stakeholder governance, Sustainable business model, and Technology agnostic. Similarly, CEADS aims to open its solution to all agrifood actors wherein the policy provides tailored incentives for each actor categories. The proposed CEADS organization will ensure the compliance and handling of complaints, conduct regulatory investigations, and impose sanctions for violators.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
Based on the six key recommendations to support policies toward trusted data space for European agriculture, technologies that require leveraging include the a) establishment of digital farm identity that can aid in implementing consent and permission management system, b) standardization of agricultural datasets particularly those that are necessary for carbon footprint calculations, among others.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
Main beneficiaries include farmers and agricultural producers, smallholders, cooperatives, governments, research institutions, technology providers, and business stakeholders. CEADS is designed to empower farmers with data sovereignty, reduce administrative burden, and enhance access to trusted digital services while also benefiting regulators and industry through standardised datasets and secure exchange.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
CEADS is financed under the Digital Europe Programme. Its business model is hybrid, combining elements of a Data Marketplace and Open Data Policy. It operates on a not-for-profit basis, aiming for cost coverage rather than high profits, with donor support at EU level. No specific funding amounts are provided in the document.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
AgriDataSpace is expected to increase economic, environmental, and societal value of the agrifood sector while maintaining high standards of privacy, security, and ethics.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
European Commission; Data Space Support Centre (DSSC); agdatahub; reframe.food; PSNC; Universitat de Lleida ; Flanders research institute for agriculture, fisheries and food (ILVO)
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better environment
Better life
