AND Fresh Pty Ltd has been awarded a grant to trial data logging technology across the table grape export supply chain.
Minister for agriculture David Littleproud said improved supply chain traceability will help enhance Australia’s status as one of the world’s most trusted sources of clean, green and safe produce.
AND Fresh will use $32,166 in Traceability Grants Program funding to carry out its FRIGGA Technology trial.
In 2018-19 the export value of Australian table grapes was $555m with more than 146,000 tonnes of fresh table grapes exported.
“FRIGGA also has the potential to be rolled out in other industries such as red meat and mangoes,” Mr Littleproud said.
“AND Fresh will trial the use of data loggers in a select number of table grape export shipments from harvest point to shop shelf along road, rail, and shipping networks.
“The loggers will capture location, temperature, humidity and light in real time.”
The Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster said the technology will assist the identification of breaks in the cool chain and be able to detect if containers have been opened by the use of light sensors.
“Data will be available on a smartphone app showing graphs and maps in real time meaning farmers, transporters, freight forwarders, exporters and retailers can all access it,” Dr Webster said.
“This is the technologically smart future of Australian agriculture, guaranteeing quality and surety of Australian products around the world. Technology like this is driving us towards $100bn by 2030.”
