In 2020, our research team secured funding from the CITRIS and the Banatao Institute for a project on Platforms and the Future of Work in Digitized Agriculture. In 2021 this work was further supported by Wissenschafts Zentrum Berlin.

As intelligent tools and systems are adopted in agriculture, agriculturalists and workers will need to adapt and adjust. Data sharing can be used to create value by increasing transparency, traceability, and productivity. These benefits are predicated upon platform adoption. However, as the intermediary, the platform owner acquires significant power. This research examines five forms of platform organization and their benefits and drawbacks for actors in the agri-food system, farmers in particular. The types discussed are 1) startups, 2) agro-food industry firms, 3) agricultural cooperatives, 4) specially formed consortia of agri-food system actors, and 5) internet companies such as Google.

The project analyzes the business models for each, assess likelihood of adoption, and effect on farmers and their practices.

For more information on the project, please visit the project’s website here.

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