THE government hopes to enhance Australia’s status as one of the world’s most trusted sources of clean, green and safe produce via a $4m agricultural supply chain traceability boost.
Agriculture minister David Littleproud says 16 projects are sharing in the funding under the first round of the Australian government’s Traceability Grants Program.
“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,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Our current traceability systems meet the needs of our trading partners and consumers.
“Funding these projects provides an opportunity to enhance these systems and increase our competitive advantage and market share in international markets.”
The minister said the successful applicants are developing “very exciting technologies which all aim to boost traceability in the agricultural supply chain”.
One of the projects will deliver an app to enable real time tracking of animals from the farm to their destination and provides access to information about those animals to those along the chain who require it.
“The funding will support the development of a digital farming platform to trace Indigenous foods throughout the supply chain to assist with provenance and indigenous culture claims,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Another project involves the trial of technology to trace fresh produce through export supply chains, with the melon industry used as a pilot.
“We are also investing in work that will strengthen traceability in the Australian egg industry through the provision of software tools and training.”
The minister believes it’s important to respond to demand from consumers domestically and internationally for greater transparency and real time convenience around the origins and safety of agricultural products in modern digital marketplaces.
The Traceability Grants Program is part of the Modernising Agricultural Trade agenda announced by the Australian government to support the target of a $100bn agricultural sector by 2030.
