Categories
Sustainability

Agtech Raises the Bar for Sustainability Standards

Increased sustainability will drive commodity production in the coming decades, spurred by increasing environmental consciousness among consumers.

From crops to clothes, agricultural products are not exempt from increasing preferences for sustainable brands, starting with a desire by the public to know where products are sourced. Purchasing habits are likely to continue to shift in favor of retailers and suppliers who give a greater account of the contributions they are making toward a cleaner and safer planet.

There are clear moral and economic interests for these stories of sustainability to be told. But like every compelling story, the ag industry must not only tell, but also show by accelerating its shift toward data-driven practices and decisions. Harnessing data requires it to be more readily available, accessible and easy-to-use for producers, distributors and the public alike.

Categories
AgTech

How to Develop and Improve Industry Standards

Technology is growing at an exponential rate, and it’s important for industries to adapt their standards accordingly in order for companies and organizations to work with one another efficiently.

If processes and standards are not established, companies will hold different expectations and evaluate business on a different scale, essentially speaking different languages. These points of disconnection create a lack of continuity that not only impacts the business owners, but also their clients or customers.

Whether you aim to create or improve standards within your industry, there are a few crucial steps to keep in mind.

PICK A TEAM AND ASPIRE FOR COOPETITION

Gather a group of your professional peers and key players in your industry to work with. These people should be thought leaders and advocates for change who share a common goal of unity, for the sake of collective progression and profitability.

One person or company cannot change industry standards alone. The purpose of a standard is to be recognized across a wide spectrum of players. Picking the right team can ensure the best results and the best chance of spreading awareness.

Categories
AgTech

The Importance of Data Standards

Today’s agritech landscape consists of digital tools that gather and record data about crops and commodities in order to serve a growing number of consumers. Two manufacturers may purchase the same commodity and utilize it differently, but they must both be able to share and access information about the same product. This is where data standards come into play, providing streamlined processes and guidelines that all players in an industry can follow in order to exchange information and conduct business more efficiently. In agriculture, data standards also reinforce transparency and immutability in the digital supply chain.