Farmers, ranchers deserve data privacy, fair markets

By U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts
R-Nebraska

Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska. It is also a knowledge business. Farmers and ranchers are experts in their fields. They know what to plant and when. They know every contour of their land.  

Every day, they perform countless calculations to maximize yield, deliver food, and pay their bills. That expertise represents a lifetime of hard work. Often, it’s generations of hard-won lessons and insights.

Farmers and ranchers have always been happy to share their insights.  First, they published them in almanacs.  Then, they spoke on the radio and wrote into newspapers.  But now, internet-connected devices are changing the game.  Sharing on your own terms is one thing.

But as technology expands, farmers and ranchers should be able to choose how they share their expertise.  

It’s important that we protect their intellectual property. They shouldn’t be forced to share their data.

My Agricultural Data Privacy Act protects that right. Data on climate and weather, land, livestock and yield are valuable. My bill would require producers’ approval before any company uses their data. That means this data can’t be sold or otherwise used without farmers’ and ranchers’ express written consent. The consent must be obvious and clean — not part of boiler plate language.

My Agricultural Data Privacy Act is a proven Nebraska solution ready for America. It is modeled after a recent Nebraska state law. The state law was the first of its kind in the nation. Now, it’s being introduced in states like Iowa, Colorado and Missouri. My bill would make Nebraska’s law the national standard.

With harvest season beginning, Nebraska producers are busy.  They shouldn’t have to worry about their data being sold.  In the Senate, I’m fighting for our farmers and ranchers so that they can remain focused on growing the safest and highest quality food in the world. 

Our producers also deserve a fair playing field on the international stage. Communist China has tried to hurt our farmers and ranchers.  

President Trump recently hosted Communist Dictator Xi Jinping in D.C. Before the White House visit, I sent a letter advocating for Nebraska’s beef and soybean producers. I encouraged Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, to fight for agriculture.

For too long, Communist China has undercut U.S. commodity markets. They have let import licenses for more than 400 U.S. beef facilities expire. In the past, they have failed to make their agreed upon soybean purchases. I urged the administration to hold Communist China accountable to their trade commitments.

We must ensure that our producers have fair and reliable market access. Farmers and ranchers can compete with anybody in the world. I will keep fighting to ensure they can do just that.