Draft Details

This Technical Specification establishes a set of criteria to inform evaluation of the quality and suitability of datasets for the intended users. The purpose is to provide a transparent methodology to assess the quality of datasets in relation to the intended purposes of the user.

The methodology serves as a tool for the user to:

a)    Assess data suitability — Existence of data alone does not guarantee that data is a suitable candidate for what the user needs data for. In this way, the user drives the data, not the other way around.

b)    Apply structured criteria — Use a consistent approach to vet submitted data and evaluate its quality for inclusion.

c)    Recognize sector diversity — Acknowledge and assess the varied data management practices across the agri-food sector, supporting ongoing improvements in data governance and use.

1.1 Inclusions

This standard applies to the Centre for Agri-Food Benchmarking while identifying datasets for the Users and any stakeholder recognized as a trusted data provider. It covers data related to the entire agriculture and agri-food system, encompassing the full food supply chain, from primary agricultural production (including livestock, aquaculture, and agroforestry) through processing, distribution, and retail sectors.

1.2 Exclusions

Other users could benefit from using these data quality rating criteria, as described in clause 0.3 Users above, but are excluded from mandatory requirements. This technical specification also does not apply to data on consumers of agri-food products.

1.3 Terminology

In this Technical Specification, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.