Here’s a question; are data protection regulations relevant to agri-businesses?

Here’s a question; are data protection regulations relevant to agri-businesses?

To put it simply: yes!

Privacy and security are not concerns that immediately spring to mind when you think of farming and agricultural businesses probably due to the traditional and, generally, offline nature of the industry.

However, the reality is that all UK organisations that collect and process personal data (whether relating to their customers, employees or suppliers) must comply with relevant data protection law, and the agricultural sector is no exception.

Failure to do so can expose businesses to reputational damage and substantial fines.

Agricultural businesses can be high value targets for cyber-criminals.

Whether your business deals with consumers or commercial entities, the likelihood is that you hold significant personal data, including contact details, payment information and even identity documents. This information is valuable, and potentially very damaging to those affected, if compromised.

You are required to take steps to prepare for, prevent and deal with cyber breaches – failure to do so could land your business in hot water.

Technology is also increasingly relevant to farming, and with tech comes data. Wherever this data can be linked to an individual, it falls under the scope of the legislation.

This could include devices used to track farming equipment and vehicles, or drones used to collate data or survey land.

These technologies may collect personal data, which must be safeguarded. Use of third parties to collect data requires careful risk assessment and gives rise to mandatory contractual requirements.

Prevention is always better (and cheaper!) than the cure.

If data protection compliance is something that has maybe been overlooked, a review of current compliance measures is strongly recommended.

Brexit has brought with it the UK’s own version of GDPR. Regular review will help you understand whether your business is keeping pace with the evolving legal landscape.

It will also shine a light on whether your policies and procedures are being followed and fully understood by those within your business.