AGRIXCHANGE · A common data exchange system for agricultural systems

Within the knowledge-based bio-economy, information sharing is an important issue. In agri-food business, this is a complex issue because many aspects and dimensions play a role. An installed base of information systems lack standardization, which hampers efficient exchange of information. This leads to inefficient business processes and hampers adoption of new knowledge and technology. Especially, the exchange of information at whole chain or network level is poorly organized. Although arable and livestock farming have their own specific needs, there are many similarities in the need for an integrated approach. Spatial data increasingly plays an important role in agriculture. The overall objective of this project is to coordinate and support the setting up of sustainable network for developing a system for common data exchange in agriculture. This will be achieved by: - establishing a platform on data exchange in agriculture in the EU; - developing a reference framework for interoperability of data exchange; - identifying the main challenges for harmonizing data exchange. First, an in-depth analysis and investigation of the state-of-the art in EU member states will be carried out. A platform is built up that facilitates communication and collaborative working groups, that work on several, representative use cases, guided by an integrative reference framework. The framework consists of a sound architecture and infrastructure based on a business process modeling approach integrating existing standards and services. The development is done in close interaction with relevant stakeholders through the platform and international workshops. The results converge into a strategic research agenda that contains a roadmap for future developments. The project consortium consists of 14 partners from 11 countries covering different disciplines, stakeholder views and experiences with information management and standardization.