Responsible data and AI in agri-food
About the expertise
In short- Responsible governance
- Ethical, legal, social
- Fair and transparent
- ELSA-scan
- Research, policy, practice
Digital innovation in the agri-food sector requires responsible data use. WUR’s ELSA Lab (Ethical, Legal & Social Aspects) team helps organisations harness the potential of data and AI safely and fairly. By creating solutions rooted in stakeholders’ values and concerns, we accelerate sustainable digital transformation with trust as the foundation.
AI can accelerate the transition to circular and sustainable food systems, but the algorithms and data these technologies rely on raise ethical, legal and societal concerns that are often overlooked.
The ELSA Lab team at Wageningen University & Research conducts research into AI and data-driven applications for the agri-food sector. In collaboration with farmers, food companies, researchers and policymakers, we explore socially responsible innovation in food systems.
ELSA Labs are multi-stakeholder collaborations where companies, governments, scientists and citizens co-create AI applications that are not only technically sound, but also ethically acceptable, legally compliant and socially supported. This includes ensuring fairness, transparency and non-discrimination, as well as alignment with existing or emerging legislation and public values.
“The debate around how to safely integrate AI is really important. This is where ELSA really can help.”
- Arend Koekkoek
- CEO Pixelfarming Robotics
Discover what the ELSA Lab does
At the ELSA Lab of Wageningen University & Research, we investigate AI developments and create services together with stakeholders to make the food systems of the future more sustainable.
More information
The ELSA Lab addresses the growing need for responsible AI in agri-food by assessing ethical risks such as harmful biases and lack of transparency, clarifying legal frameworks including privacy legislation (GDPR) and the AI Act, and raising awareness of social implications, such as the impact of AI on human and animal welfare. By contributing expertise early in the innovation process, we help ensure that new technologies align with sustainability goals and societal expectations.
We developed and applied the first version of the ELSA Scan, a methodology to identify opportunities and risks of AI in agri-food. We built a network of engaged stakeholders across disciplines and embedded the initiative within Wageningen University & Research, supported by funding from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN). Our research is integrated into national and European programmes, including the Common European Agricultural Data Space (CEADS), Data4Food2030 and the Partnership Agriculture of Data. The service is officially listed in the AgrifoodTEF catalogue, with documentation and contact details available for practical implementation
Get in touch with our expert
Do you have a question about responsible data and AI in agri-food or opportunities to work with us? Please get in touch.
M (Mireille) van Hilten, MSc
Senior Researcher Digitalisation Agri-food