Last Updated: February 12, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Tech4Agri.org (the “Website”), operated by Tech4Agri (“we,” “us,” or “our”). Tech4Agri is a social enterprise and legally registered nonprofit organization under the laws of Trinidad & Tobago, focused on agricultural innovation, education, and community-building initiatives. We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the laws of Trinidad & Tobago and other applicable international data protection regulations (including the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European users).

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal data when you visit our website, interact with our content, or become a member of our organization.

2. Scope of this Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to personal data collected through:

  • Our website at [www.tech4agri.org] (the “Website”),
  • Membership registration and related services,
  • Email communications, newsletters, and subscription forms,
  • Events, workshops, or conferences we organize or participate in,
  • Any other online or offline interactions where you provide personal data to us.

By accessing or using our services, you agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal data as described in this Privacy Policy.

3. Data We Collect

Depending on your interaction with us (e.g., browsing the Website, becoming a member, signing up for a newsletter), we may collect the following categories of personal data:

  1. Contact Information – Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
  2. Membership Details – Membership type, payment information (if applicable), membership history, and login credentials (if accessing members-only content).
  3. Demographic Information – Country of residence or specific location within the Caribbean, professional or academic background, areas of agricultural interest.
  4. Payment Information – For paid memberships, donations, or purchases, we may collect credit card or other payment details. (Payment information may be processed by third-party payment processors that adhere to industry standards.)
  5. Website Usage Data – IP address, device information, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the Website (collected through cookies or similar tracking technologies).
  6. Communications – Records of any correspondence or queries you submit via email, contact forms, or social media interactions.
  7. Event Registration Information – If you sign up for an event, we may collect your registration details, dietary requirements (if relevant), or additional information to facilitate event logistics.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Notice)

For individuals located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or European Union (EU), we rely on one or more of the following legal bases under the GDPR:

  • Consent: When you provide explicit consent (e.g., opting in to receive marketing emails).
  • Contract: When processing is necessary to perform a contract with you (e.g., membership or event registration).
  • Legitimate Interests: When processing is in our legitimate interests (e.g., improving our Website, informing our members), provided these interests do not override your data protection rights.
  • Legal Obligations: When necessary to comply with legal or regulatory obligations.

5. How We Use Your Data

We use personal data for the following purposes:

  1. Service Delivery: To provide and maintain our Website, membership services, and other programs.
  2. Membership Management: To process membership applications, renewals, billing, and to communicate membership benefits or account updates.
  3. Communications: To send newsletters, alerts, or updates about events and resources, provided you have opted in.
  4. Event Coordination: To facilitate your registration and attendance at our events, workshops, or conferences.
  5. Website Analytics: To track usage patterns, improve user experience, and develop new features or services.
  6. Compliance and Protection: To enforce our Terms & Conditions, protect our rights and the safety of our users, or comply with legal obligations.
  7. Marketing and Outreach (as permitted by law): To inform you about new initiatives, services, or events that may be of interest to you.

6. Membership Data Use

As a nonprofit organization, Tech4Agri operates a membership program. If you choose to become a member, we use the personal data you provide (e.g., contact details, membership preferences, and payment details) to:

  • Maintain accurate member records,
  • Provide access to members-only content and forums,
  • Send you updates on membership benefits, and
  • Manage membership renewals, cancellations, and other administrative processes.

7. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal data. However, we may share data under the following circumstances:

  1. Service Providers: We use trusted third-party vendors or service providers (e.g., payment processors, email newsletter platforms, event management services) who process data on our behalf.
  2. Legal Compliance: We may disclose data if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).
  3. Business Transactions: In the unlikely event of a reorganization or transfer of assets, your personal data may be transferred as permitted by law.
  4. Member Directories or Forums: If we offer a member directory or online forum, members may see certain limited information about one another (e.g., name, affiliation) unless a member opts out.

8. International Data Transfers

As we are based in Trinidad & Tobago, your personal data may be transferred and stored in countries outside of your own, including locations that may have different or less stringent data protection laws than those in your jurisdiction (e.g., the US, Europe). Where required, we will implement appropriate safeguards (such as contractual agreements) to ensure your data is protected.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or comply with legal obligations. This may include:

  • Keeping membership records for the duration of your membership and a reasonable period thereafter,
  • Retaining financial transaction records per legal or accounting requirements,
  • Maintaining email subscription data unless you unsubscribe.

10. Your Rights

Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction (including GDPR for EU/EEA residents), you may have certain rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access: Request information about the personal data we hold about you.
  • Rectification: Correct or update any inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances.
  • Restriction of Processing: Request that we limit how we process your data.
  • Data Portability (GDPR): Obtain a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
  • Objection (GDPR): Object to certain processing activities based on legitimate interests.
  • Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on your consent, you can withdraw it at any time.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in the “Contact Us” section. We may request proof of identity to verify your request.

11. Security Measures

We take reasonable measures to protect your personal data, including the use of:

  • Secure servers and encryption for data in transit (HTTPS),
  • Controlled access to personal data,
  • Periodic data security reviews and staff training.

However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

12. Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and deliver personalized content. You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect your ability to use certain features of our Website.

13. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children without appropriate parental or guardian consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, please contact us so we can promptly remove it.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page indicates when the latest revisions were made. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

15. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated by Tech4Agri. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any site you visit.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us at thefuture@tech4agri.org.