Can Legal Problems Arise when Using Agricultural Technology?
Stay safe while use AgriTech to its full potential by partnering with a savvy IT managed service that specializes in working with the agricultural industry.
Agricultural technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Smartphones, sensors, drones, and specialized software programs are providing farmers with multiple tools to improve their crops, cut costs, and better serve customers. What’s more, there are new tools on the horizon, including soil DNA testing, FaaS platforms, short-term farm rental platforms, and self-driving tractors.
While these advances certainly have much to offer, it’s important to bear in mind that there are important legal implications to be aware of before embracing the latest platform, gadget, or software program. The following are some points to consider when deciding which forms of tech to bring onto your farm or agricultural business.
Data Security
AgriTech providers collect large amounts of valuable data. For example, a farmer who hires a soil DNA company to examine his soil will be providing that company with essential information about his farmland. Farming as Service platforms will collect information regarding which services one purchases, when these services are purchased and how long they are used for.
What do AgriTech companies do with all this propriety information? The truth is, a lot depends on the terms and conditions set out in the contract. Farmers need to ensure that their propriety data is protected at all times. They also need to know that they will be informed if an AgriTech company experiences a data breach.
Responsibility for Driverless Equipment
What happens when something goes wrong with driverless equipment? It’s all too easy for a drone, automatic sprayer or driverless tractor to malfunction and cause damage and/or injuries. If such an instance should occur, who is responsible? If a farmer is held responsible, will the damages be covered by an existing insurance policy?
It’s also important to know if there are requirements stipulating who can use driverless equipment. Does the operator need training and/or certification? Does the operator need to be on-site or is he or she legally permitted to work from a remote location?
Another point to consider is that driverless devices can be hacked. A breach of this nature can do a massive amount of damage to your farm. Is such damage covered by an existing insurance policy? If someone is injured or a third party’s property is damaged by the hack, who is held responsible?
Introducing DeVeera
DeVeera is an IT managed service that specializes in working with the agricultural industry. The company can help you handle legal concerns that arise as a result of using modern technology by:
- Analyzing AgriTech service provider contracts to ensure that your data will not be misused when you avail yourself of a new technological device or service
- Creating a secure IT network for your farm and monitoring it to ensure that automated devices cannot be easily breached
- Creating customized software for your specific needs so you don’t have to outsource everything to a third-party service provider
Don’t let concerns about the legal implications of using cutting edge farming technology prevent you from taking advantage of all that AgriTech has to offer. Get in touch with us today to get the expert help you need to navigate new technology and make it work for you without putting your farm at risk.
