Case study ADR.BY – Bavarian Agricultural Data Hub
Despite the existence of established advisory systems, Bavarian farmers lacked an efficient, standardised system for data exchange. fortiss carried out a feasibility study for a Bavarian agricultural data room (ADR.BY) that integrates technical architectures, semantic models and the needs of stakeholders. The result is a scalable, participatory concept that strengthens digital sovereignty, efficiency and collaboration in agriculture.
Challenge
The Bavarian agricultural sector utilises a wide range of data sources, but fragmented systems hinder data exchange, innovation and the optimisation of services. Existing advisory networks lacked a shared infrastructure for managing, integrating and standardising data flows. ADR.BY commissioned fortiss to assess the technical feasibility, develop an architecture and define governance structures for a federated, agriculture-focused data space.
Solution
Through structured workshops, design-science research and stakeholder action research, fortiss developed a semantic data metamodel that integrates RDF and OWL to ensure interoperability. Use cases were developed in the areas of nutrient management, traceability of animal products, carbon footprinting and member services, demonstrating technical and organisational feasibility. fortiss’s approach ensured that FAIR principles, data sovereignty and interoperability with EU agricultural data space initiatives were taken into account.
Result
- Development of a shared vision and architecture for a Bavarian Agricultural Data Space (ADR.BY)
- Creation of a semantic data model for the integration of heterogeneous farm, advisory and administrative data
- Identification of high-impact use cases in the areas of nutrient management, animal welfare, carbon footprinting and member services
- Demonstration of feasibility through participatory workshops with advisory networks and farmers
- Strengthening of digital sovereignty and interoperability for future EU agricultural data spaces
- Enabling a stakeholder-driven design that promotes trust, transparency and practical implementation
Outcome
ADR.BY demonstrated that participatory design, semantic integration and stakeholder alignment are crucial to the success of agricultural data spaces. fortiss’s expertise combined technical feasibility with practical governance, providing a replicable model for regional data spaces that enhance sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness in agriculture.
Project partner
