W3DS-Agro is a groundbreaking initiative designed to give farmers full control over their data. By shifting agricultural data from centralized platforms to farmer-owned eVaults, we eliminate data silos, vendor lock-in, and excessive reporting. Our mission is to create a transparent, interoperable, and farmer-centric data ecosystem that benefits the entire agricultural value chain.
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How W3DS-Agro Works
The project is based on Web 3.0 Data Space architecture, developed by the Post-Platforms Foundation, a member of IDSA and the Solid community.
Today, each agricultural platform holds its own copy of farmer data, leading to silos, lock-in, and inefficiency. W3DS-Agro solves this by moving data to a farmer-controlled eVault, so all platforms access the same authoritative dataset. This shift enables true interoperability – platforms compete on service quality, not exclusivity. Farmers can easily try new services or switch providers without re-entering their data.
To support this, W3DS-Agro is developing the W3DS Adapter, which lets platforms keep working as usual while syncing with the eVault in real time. Platforms benefit too, gaining access to a broader, verified farmer dataset without handling storage or onboarding.
Beyond farmers and platforms, W3DS-Agro unlocks value across the entire ecosystem: it reduces reporting burdens for farmers and authorities, opens machine-generated data to new services, enables research collaboration, and helps large agribusinesses cut IT complexity and costs.
W3DS is aligned with EU strategies like the European Data Space and Digital ID, placing W3DS-Agro within a wider movement for data sovereignty and interoperability.
- FOR FARMERScontrol over data, no vendor lock-in, no data silosEach farmer participating in W3DS-Agro will have their own eVault – a secure, decentralized data storage space. Instead of multiple platforms duplicating and locking away farmer data, the eVault ensures that the farmer owns a single authoritative copy. Farmers can decide who accesses their data, whether it's an agricultural cooperative, a research institution, or a government agency.
It also eliminates the problem of vendor lock-in: want to try a new AI-driven crop monitoring tool? No need to migrate data – just grant access through your eVault! - FOR PLATFORMSaccess to all farmers and all data, extra securityPlatforms can integrate with the W3DS Adapter, enabling them to:
- Continue operating as usual, but now with controlled access to all farmers and their verified data
- Collaborate with other platforms without APIs and data duplication
- Leverage W3DS's built-in security and identity management
- Compete on service quality instead of locking in users
- For Authorities & value chain Partnerstransparency without reporting
W3DS-Agro eliminates the reporting burden for farmers by giving agencies and buyers direct, real-time access to verified data in the eVault.
For example:
- Regulators can securely access up-to-date pesticide records without requiring manual filing from farmers.
- Carbon footprint calculations are generated instantly from real farm data, saving time and reducing errors.
This streamlines compliance, boosts efficiency, and aligns with evolving EU transparency standards.
- For agri-tech OEMsmore value for machinesW3-Adapter makes data generated by equipment –whether it's a sensor, seeder, or milking machine – instantly usable across external platforms. Manufacturers can rely on the W3DS ecosystem to ensure smooth integration into farmers’ digital workflows. This boosts equipment utility, market appeal, and sales
- For Researchersbig data they never had beforeW3DS-Agro gives researchers access to rich, real-world farm data, enabling them to offer timely, evidence-based support to farmers. With seamless access to large datasets across diverse operations, researchers can become active participants in the ecosystem—helping solve real challenges on the ground.
- For Argi businessescutting costs up to 10%W3DS-Agro helps large agribusinesses manage data across hundreds of platforms more efficiently.
Instead of juggling disconnected data silos, enterprises can rely on a unified data infrastructure. This reduces internal complexity, simplifies integration with external partners, and delivers significant savings in IT and operational costs.
A More Transparent and Farmer-Centric Digital Economy
W3DS-Agro changes this by transferring data ownership to farmers. Platforms can still read/write data via the W3DS Adapter, but they all work with the same original dataset – no silos, no lock-in. The farmer controls and manages their data.
- Prototype Development: 2025Building and testing the first version of W3DS-Akkerbouw1
- Pilot Implementation: 2026Launching real-world use cases with 30+ stakeholders2
- Scaling & Adoption: 2026+Expanding W3DS across the agricultural sector through private investment3
As an early adopter, you'll simplify data management, cut costs, and gain the freedom of a vendor lock-in-free environment.
+31653720748
r.kremers@difco.nl