Blockchain traceability

Blockchain traceability supports brand Australia

BY MANUS STOCKDALE EXPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LEAD, VEGETABLESWA

An advanced traceability system.

3 THE traceability system has broad applications across all food, fibre and agricultural products for authentication, provenance, food safety and consumer engagement. Consumers want to know more about the food they eat, now more than ever, which is why the Australian Government is investing in an advanced blockchain traceability system that will help protect Australia’s clean, green and safe food image — and boost export opportunities for farmers.

North Sydney-based FreshChain is leading a pilot traceability project funded by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) and supported by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). FreshChain’s blockchain-based system is one of 16 projects to share in $4 million in the first round of the Federal Traceability Grants Program, which is part of the Modernising Agricultural Trade Initiative. Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said FreshChain's endto-end traceability system has broad applications across all food, fibre and agricultural products for authentication, provenance, food safety and consumer engagement. “This system that ensures food safety, biosecurity and traceability will benefit all participants in the supply chain,” Minister Littleproud said. “It supports the National Traceability Framework and protects the Australian brand in export markets by preventing food fraud, reducing food waste and maintaining consumer confidence. “It’s important during these challenging times to have a resilient fresh food supply system. “With innovations like this from FreshChain, we can show consumers domestically and internationally greater transparency and real time convenience around the origins and safety of agricultural products.

“The Australian Government invests in projects like these because modern, accurate, and timely traceability systems help provide even stronger assurances to our trading partners and consumers about the safety and quality of our fantastic produce.” The aim of the pilot project is to enable the adoption of a blockchain-based end-to-end traceability system in the horticultural supply chains in domestic and export sectors. FreshChain is a fully integrated, blockchain enabled, paddock to plate assurance system enabling customers to verify the freshness and provenance of produce they buy. FreshChain uses a unique, encrypted and serialised industry standard GS1 Digital Link QR code that can be applied at item, carton, crate or pallet level. The system is designed to be easy to use, effective and low cost so all growers can participate irrespective of size or current digitisation. FreshChain co-founding director Greg Calvert said there was no minimum to the amount of produce growers needed to commit to the pilot. “It might just be a single export consignment to review the inputs/ outcomes of the system and consumer insights,” Mr Calvert said. “It could alternatively be a domestic focus, but with a first eye to being export ready.

3 ONE of the goals is to reinforce Australia’s reputation as a global provider of safe and fresh food.

“Providing end to end traceability Mr Calvert said the pilot had already unlocks that opportunity. attracted strong interest from growers “One of our goals is to reinforce Australia’s reputation as a across multiple produce commodities but that they were always looking for additional partners. global provider of safe and fresh food and assist “We are seeking partners who see the value in further our farmers to achieve premium returns.” The Traceability Grants Program was launched by the Federal Government early in Easy to use, effective and low cost. digitisation in delivering a competitive advantage and future proofing their operations for domestic and export customers,” he said. 2020 to support projects that: • Improve agricultural supply MORE INFORMATION chain traceability systems, including developing and trialling technologies Expressions of interest can be made here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1 that digitise information flow FAIpQLSflrFrybvJNe5qhh8mjQ6WsT0_ • Provide an advantage for exporters in FbTQ4J073Ka2POGxDgHMnTw/viewform overseas markets to assist them in maintaining their competitive edge Go to freshchain.com.au • Increase opportunities to export

Australian commodities.

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