Traceability project for Australian cherries enters phase two with GS1 and Trust Codes technology | 12-12-2023 |
Cherry Growers Australia (CGA), in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria, has confirmed the continuation of the Cherries Traceability Pilot into its second year. This initiative, funded by a grant from Agriculture Victoria's Transforming Traceability program, remains committed to redefining traceability within the cherry industry and setting new benchmarks for excellence, it is claimed.
An integral part of the project has been QR code technology, developed by AIPIA member VerifyMe’s Trust Codes unit, which has fully integrated its software into the Cherry Hill Orchard (CHO) packhouse. Leveraging this platform has enabled CHO to print unique digital identities (in the form of unique QR codes per box) that ensure traceability from the orchards right through to the consumer. In addition to traceability, Trust Codes has enhanced the consumer experience further with a game (and within Australia consumers can win prizes) where they grow and pick cherries.
The implementation of this project is using GS1 standards and the new GS1 Digital Link capability as foundations. Being Digital Link compliant means that all data is interoperable across supply chain participants and also solutions and platforms. The one unique QR code can be scanned by all supply chain participants who receive the information that is relevant to them. The Trust Codes technology ensures each QR code is unique and acts like a licence plate for each product (in this case each box of cherries) where data can be layered on, it explains.
The project’s aim is for consumers to have confidence that the product they purchase is real authentic CHO cherries (using machine learning and AI to detect any abnormal supply chain activity that may point to the product not being real) and enhancing engagement with the consumer to educate them and also gamify the experience through the cherry picking game.
The CGA-led pilot commenced in June 2022 and is set to span two cherry harvest seasons, concluding in April 2024. The project has swiftly gathered recognition and support, underscoring its significance in shaping the future of the Australian cherry industry. Nick Noske, acting president of CGA, said, "Traceability remains pivotal to enhancing the competitiveness of our cherries in international markets. It will reinforce the provenance, authenticity, and safety of our products. The insights gained through this initiative continue to serve as a foundation of integrity for our industry, empowering us to navigate both local and global challenges."
Marcel Sieira, COO for GS1 Australia, expressed the organisation’s satisfaction in the ongoing support for GS1 Standards. “Standards-based traceability systems not only improve the quality and efficacy of our domestic supply chains but align Australian industry with international requirements, while also supporting sustainability and circularity outcomes. Our cherry industry stands poised to embrace these market opportunities."
Year 1 of the project witnessed the successful implementation of on-farm traceability through RFID technology. In Year 2, the scope widens as CHO which is a key Australian producer and exporter, pilots producer-to-customer traceability. Harnessing GS1 Digital Link-enabled QR codes, export traceability gains new dimensions, bolstering the confidence of customers and stakeholders across the supply chain.
Paul Ryan, CEO of Trust Codes added, “As we continue our collaboration in Year 2 of this ground breaking project, Trust Codes is excited to provide advanced tracking technology, enhancing export traceability with unique GS1 Digital Link-enabled QR codes."
Stephen Riseborough, director at CHO, explained, “Enabling traceability technology provides invaluable benefit through risk management and product assurance. It ensures that our cherries can be precisely traced back to their exact point of origin, demonstrating that they are indeed clean, safe, and reputable products.”
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