AGRICULTURAL
DIGITAL LIVESTOCK
IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY SYSTEM A FIRST FOR SA
If there is one thing the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us , it is the importance of bio- and food security . This not only contributes to customer satisfaction , but also to market confidence .
Annette Willemse Communication Specialist
In light of this realisation , BeefLedger
SA , recently developed the firstever blockchain-enabled traceability solution for the South African beef supply chain . This digital livestock identification and traceability system can validate real-time farm to fork product authenticity .
According to Anzill Adams , Chief Executive Officer of BeefLedger SA , the platform represents a much-needed tool for greater transparency and accountability . He explains that the system will provide users in the beef industry with the value-added benefits of access to credible and authentic data , sales history , consumer feedback insights , streamlined payments , and heightened food security . The system will also contribute towards better disease prevention and more effective biosecurity management processes . It also has the potential to revolutionise the industry by supporting food provenance-driven value , preventing food fraud and creating more transparent markets for participants .
Adams furthermore believes that this technology will enable a fairer and more sustainable beef supply chain . “ Credentialed food provenance creates an integrated link between various stakehol- ders , including government , leading industry players and smaller communal farmers .
The technology is introduced at a time when the demand for beef in Africa is expected to grow significantly . The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO ) estimates that the consumption of beef will increase by 200 % in Africa , between 2015 and 2050 . This rapid growth will increase the pressure for credentialed product significantly .
Interest in blockchain is rapidly growing within the agricultural sector since it allows people to share recorded transactions in a digitised , decentralised data log that is stored on a network of computers rather than on a single database . Within the agricultural supply chain , blockchain technologies therefore promise not only increased efficiencies ( through enhanced data management , lower transaction costs , optimised logistics and more robust traceability ) but also enhanced food safety protocols .
Adams says that the future vision of BeefLedger SA is to develop a digital framework , in line with international standards and obligations , to implement similar technologies for other sectors including the wine , seafood and mining industries . Further integration is also planned into the halal , kosher , fair trade and organic food sectors where certified traceability is non-negotiable .
SENWES SCENARIO | SOMER � SUMMER 2020 33