FOOD fraud is having a devastating impact on Australian farmers, costing up to $2bn each year, says technology provider Aglive.
An independent report conducted by Meat & Livestock Australia recognised product integrity as a major purchase driver for consumers and cited the need to enhance product integrity systems of the Australian red meat industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also intensified the need for traceability and provenance of Australian red meat products sold in Australia and in new export markets.
Aglive is working alongside the MLA, Australian farmers, producers and agricultural industry bodies to provide food provenance to Australian produce and brands.
“If there is one positive to come out of this pandemic, it’s a vital recognition that our supply chain systems are outdated,” said Paul Ryan, managing director of Aglive.
“Australians deserve the right to purchase high-quality, premium products and know that’s exactly what they’re getting. Farmers deserve to know that their premium products are not compromised along their journey.”
Aglive’s platform was developed in collaboration with the MLA and has received support from leaders in the agricultural sector, including the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Macquarie University, AusTrade, ShineWing and the National Party.
Fourth generation Australian Black Angus Beef farmer, Robert Mackenzie, has used Aglive’s traceability platform to successfully open new export channels to China, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Palestine.
“There is huge demand for premium Australian products in international markets but fraudulent and mislabelled products are threatening Australia’s reputation for high quality produce,” Mr Mackenzie said.
Aglive’s traceability platform can be applied to many packaged products to ensure traceability and provenance from their source right through to the end consumer.
