Towards Data-Driven Decisions in Agriculture—A Proposed Data Quality Framework for Grains Trials Research

Abstract

Future agriculture will depend on smart systems and digital technologies to improve food production and sustainability. Data-driven methods, such as artificial intelligence, will become integral to agricultural research and development, transforming how decisions are made and how sustainability goals are achieved. Reliable, high-quality data is essential to ensure that research users can trust their conclusions and decisions. To achieve this, a standard for assessing and reporting data quality is required to realise the full potential of data-driven agriculture. Two practical and empirical data quality assessment tools are proposed—a trial data quality test (primarily for data contributors) and a trial data quality statement (for data users). These tools provide information on data qualities assessed for contributors to the submitted trial data and those seeking to use the data for decision support purposes. An action case study using the Online Farm Trials platform illustrates their application. The proposed data quality framework provides a consistent approach for evaluating trial quality and determining fitness for purpose. Flexible and adaptable, the DQF and its tools can be tailored to different agricultural contexts, strengthening confidence in data-driven decision-making and advancing sustainable agriculture.