New big data programs in the agricultural sector have raised a number of privacy concerns among farmers about the types of information being collected and how that information is being used. In an article authored for Food & Drink, FaegreBD Consulting senior director Kathleen Rice and FaegreBD partner Michelle Kaiser Bray examine technology and agriculture.

As agriculture changes and develops, many farmers are looking to big data programs and analytics to help improve productivity, measure soil conditions and target more efficient use of water resources and pesticide spraying. The Federal Aviation Administration is even considering new rules over the next year that would allow for use of commercial drones. While the idea of drones make some squeamish, supporters say the advantages are clear—drones eliminate the need for farmers to spend hours walking the fields trying to determine irrigation and fertilization needs, and in rural areas, there's less of a threat of privacy concerns.

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