Get more from business data with the Farm Sustainability Data Network

When Olaf Hietbrink, institute manager at Wageningen Social & Economic Research, and Joost de Laat, general director of the Social Sciences Group, arrive at a goat farm in Brabant, owner Gijs van Rooij is already there to welcome them. “Since joining the Farm Sustainability Data Network, I receive a detailed financial report of my business each year. It means I have a much clearer picture of how my farm is performing,” he says enthusiastically, while showing where the goats are kept.

The Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN, or BIN in Dutch) is a network of around 1,500 agricultural and horticultural businesses, 100 fishers and 150 forestry companies throughout the Netherlands. “Since 1965, Wageningen Social & Economic Research has been collecting financial data, sustainability data and information about business operations. This is part of a statutory research task,” explains Joost de Laat. “We gather data on revenues and costs, staffing, fertiliser and pesticide use, and energy consumption. This allows us to analyse developments in Dutch agriculture and horticulture and, when combined with European data, on a broader scale. It also gives us deeper insights into specific sectors. In this way, we provide governments and businesses with the evidence they need to make sound and realistic decisions.”

Without practical data, policymaking is done in the dark

“The data are used to underpin policies that directly affect the future of the sector,” adds Olaf Hietbrink. “For example, we map out the effects of changes in agricultural policy; Dutch, European or global. What happens to farm income when new measures are introduced, such as nitrogen restrictions or subsidies? Collecting data helps to shape the future-oriented development of these sectors. Without data from practice, you’re making policy in the dark.”

The FSDN serves multiple purposes, De Laat stresses. “Entrepreneurs value contributing to the common good. But participation also benefits them personally.” Goat farmer Van Rooij explains that participants receive a free annual economic report, including comparisons with average performance figures. “It gives a complete overview of costs, revenues and sustainability performance. I gain insight into how my business develops over time, which helps me make better strategic choices.”

Benchmarking performance

Participants can use a dashboard to compare their anonymised data with other FSDN farms. “It works like a mirror that farmers can use to their advantage,” says Hietbrink. “For example, they might discover they use fewer crop protection products than average, but more energy. That helps them take targeted action.”

FSDN field officers collect the data directly from the farms. In the past, farmers had to submit piles of receipts, but now most data are collected digitally, which saves time. “These trusted contacts also discuss the farm’s results, future plans and what’s needed to keep the business running well.” Data are handled with great care, and participant privacy is strictly protected under legislation.

Collecting reliable data benefits not only individual entrepreneurs, but also tomorrow’s policies and research. “The sector faces major challenges. Many farmers want to make a positive contribution,” says De Laat. “At the same time, there are concerns about how policy decisions might affect individual businesses. We recognise that, and that’s why we base our research on the most accurate data possible from agricultural practice. Sound agricultural policy depends on sound figures.”

Would you like to learn more about joining the Farm Sustainability Data Network or research based on FSDN data?