RICKETTS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT FARMERS' AND RANCHERS' DATA

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- Sen. Pete Ricketts issued the following press release:

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Agricultural Data Privacy Act. This bill would codify that agricultural producers are the sole owners of the data they produce. It would also prohibit companies from using or selling producers' data without written consent.

"Excellent agriculture requires excellent knowledge," said Senator Ricketts. "Farmers and ranchers who work a lifetime to build their knowledge should own it. It is only fair that we protect their data and intellectual property. This bill would do just that."

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation endorse this bill.

"This is a meaningful step for...