To full implement a data governance framework, our recommended next steps are:

• Validate assurance signals through engagement with UK arable farmers and their
• supply chains
• Continue to convene the Advisory Group to ensure the effective co-design and
• implementation of a market-wide solution
• Deliver a demonstrator that shows assurable data flowing from farm to bank
• Co-design implementation of a technical demonstrator that establishes the data
• infrastructure, including assurance metadata records

Below is the case study published by Digital Catapult entitled ‘Icebreaker One advances data sharing governance for farming supply chains’.

If you’re interested in this work please don’t hesitate to reach out via: icebreaking@ib1.org

You can also stay connected by joining IB1 Constellations

Icebreaker One is collaborating with Digital Catapult’s Digital Supply Chain Hub to help transform UK manufacturing through data-enabled supply chains. A key component of this work is to address the data governance challenges of information exchange in digital supply chains.

The timeliness of the project is reflected by the fact that supply chain leaders and businesses across the country are grappling with regulatory hurdles, a pressure to decarbonise, and cyber-threats to their operations. Our work will support the development of a robust data sharing governance that builds trust between organisations and produces more efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chains.

Our use-case centric approach in this instance will focus on Food Supply Chains, with the goal of enhancing data transparency, aligning with regulatory frameworks and unlocking green financing for farm management.

Advisory Group

Join our Food Supply Chain Advisory Group

Icebreaker One is convening an Advisory Group of industry experts that accurately represent stakeholders from across the Food Supply Chain. This is also aligned with Digital Catapult’s recognition of the need for collaboration between businesses and technology leaders to mitigate risk in supply chains.

With two virtual meetings, one in September and one in November 2024, the Advisory Group will:

• Represent perspectives, needs and challenges from across the industry
• Help to define and prioritise use cases to focus on
• Connect and collaborate with other stakeholders
• Share insights, learn from others and find solutions to shared problems
• Help to shape a Trust Framework solution

If you are a stakeholder in the Food Supply Chain, we need your input, sign up here to help us make supply chains more efficient, resilient and sustainable. Find the scope here.

Outcomes of project

By focusing on data transparency and alignment with regulatory requirements, the initiative aims to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and build trust between all parties involved in the supply chain—from farmers to retailers. This approach not only aids better management of resources but also supports the implementation of sustainable practices by enabling more efficient use of inputs and reducing waste.

Additionally, by unlocking green financing options, the project can provide the necessary capital for innovations in farm management, such as the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and practices that further reduce the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain, making it more resilient and sustainable in the face of global challenges like climate change and food security.

The top five priorities to enhance food supply chains through collaboration include:

Data Transparency: Prioritise the openness and accessibility of data across the supply chain to ensure that all stakeholders, from farmers to consumers, have accurate and timely information. This transparency helps in making informed decisions that optimise resources and improve product traceability.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all data sharing and supply chain operations align with existing and upcoming regulations, particularly those related to environmental impact, food safety, and data privacy. Compliance reduces legal risks and builds trust with consumers and regulators.

Cybersecurity: Strengthen the security measures around digital data exchanges within the supply chain to protect sensitive information from cyber threats. Robust cybersecurity practices are crucial to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of supply chain data.

Sustainable Practices: Develop and integrate sustainable practices within the food supply chain to reduce environmental impacts. This includes promoting the efficient use of resources, reducing waste, and enabling green financing for sustainable farm management technologies and practices.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment among all stakeholders in the supply chain. This involves building frameworks for cooperation that enable shared benefits and mutual growth, especially in addressing common challenges like supply chain resilience and sustainability.