Australia backs blockchain system for horticulture

The Australian government is investing in a pilot study for a blockchain traceability system for fresh agricultural produce developed by North Sydney-based FreshChain Systems.

The project – which gets A$195,000 (around $140,000) in funding – is one of 16 to share in A$4m of funding under Australia’s Traceability Grants Programme, which will run from 2019-20 to 2022 23, according to Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud.

The grant is for an end-to-end traceability system focusing on “high risk horticulture in domestic and export markets…from paddock to plate,” according to the grant application.

Other grants in the first round of the scheme have been awarded to traceability projects for wool, seafood, grapes, livestock, honey, cider and eggs.

“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,” said Littleproud.

“FreshChain's end-to-end traceability system has broad applications across all food, fibre and agricultural products for authentication, provenance, food safety and consumer engagement.”