Successful Launch of the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition Initiative

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Jaime Adams, USDA Office of the Chief Scientist, on November 12, 2013 at 4:00 PM

This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from USDA’s rich science and research portfolio.

Exciting times are ahead for the future of global agriculture, development, and health.  On October 31, the US delegation returned from successfully launching the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN) initiative at the Open Government Partnership Summit in London. GODAN, a partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom governments, focuses on opening agricultural and nutrition data. Working with over 50 partners, GODAN expects to keep the momentum rolling, welcoming additional partners to join the initiative before the first GODAN partner meeting.

President Obama committed to opening data to the public as highlighted in the Second Open Government National Action for the United States (NAP 2.0). Within the NAP 2.0, the United States has four commitments focused on Opening Data to the public — one of which is supporting the GODAN initiative.  In addition to increasing the quality, quantity, and timeliness of available data to support agriculture and nutrition efforts, GODAN strives to increase the number and diversity of stakeholders who are applying data-based solutions to improve agriculture and nutrition. This initiative will support public and private global efforts to make agriculture and nutrition data more available and easier to access.

If you are interested in joining the initiative, please visit: www.GODAN.info. We encourage your organization to join before the first partner meeting so that you will have the opportunity to play a key role in official stand-up of the initiative. GODAN is open to public and private entities including donors, international organizations, and businesses. By signing on as a partner your organization signals support for GODAN and the principals outlined in the statement of purpose. There is some expectation (but no requirement as becoming a partner is non-binding) that your organization would use the GODAN Statement of Purpose to guide current and future open data operations. There is no financial requirement up front nor commitment required for future.