Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

As members of the Association of Agricultural Computing Companies (AACC), we accept the responsibility for the trust a farmer/rancher/agri-businessperson (henceforth referred to as client) places in our businesses, making paramount the need for the acceptance and enforcement of a code of ethics.

In addition to accepting responsibility for that trust, we accept that the complexity of applying computer technology in agriculture requires us, as AACC members, to keep our clients unique needs in mind.

Information is the key input of tomorrow. Therefore, clients must become effective information managers as well as producers. AACC members, both public and private, are committed to provide the technology, tools and training necessary to make this transition.

Therefore as members of the AACC, we individually pledge ourselves to these standards of ethical behavior. We shall strive to:

• reflect the highest principles of honesty, integrity, quality in the products or services we provide, and recognize the legal rights of others.
• accept the challenge to search for and develop high-quality computer products and services that will meet the unique and changing needs of agriculture.
• test the quality and usefulness of a product before releasing it to our clients, believing that it is the best method for promoting the quality of our industry.
• train and hire competent sales and support people who will promote the betterment of agricultural computing.
• accept the role of governors of our segment of the agricultural industry. As governors, we will address the needs for both our own improvement and that of others in the field of agricultural computing.
• educate our clients to be sure they are not only told, but understand the facts.

In summary, integrity, honesty, fairness in the marketing and quality of our products shall guide us as members of the Association of Agricultural Computing Companies.

These are the common ideas, purposes, and goals shared among our diverse membership. From computer software manufacturers and agricultural supply companies, to magazine editors and educators, to state university and governmental agencies, the members of the Association of Agricultural Computing Companies abide by, and practice the principles of proper ethics presented in this document.