4 Mar 2024
A UK research and development project has been launched to digitally map food produce from its source to consumers, aimed at reducing waste and carbon emissions while bolstering consumer confidence.
Utilizing blockchain technology, the project ensures secure storage and transfer of data, forming a thread detailing the entire journey of food products from source to consumer. This approach guarantees that relevant digital information is accessible to the appropriate parties at the right time, facilitating better decision-making.
Known as the SecQuAL project – Secure Quality Assured Logistics for Digital Food Ecosystems – it was initially funded by Innovate UK for two years before receiving an extension. Among its key partners is ADAS, a leading organization in the field.
According to Hassan Bagheri, Senior Postharvest Consultant at ADAS, the project aims to enhance supply chain efficiency and minimize food waste. The team has developed a digital tracking and condition monitoring system, initially tested on pork products with Cranswick, a consortium partner. This system, which utilizes digital tags, collects data throughout the supply chain journey, offering unprecedented visibility into the conditions and processes involved.
Collaborating with Suncrop, the project has also produced a proof-of-concept solution to reduce wastage in the UK fresh tomatoes industry. This innovation, if applied widely, could lead to significant economic benefits for growers and retailers alike.
Richard Hall, Operations Director at Suncrop, believes that the project's technology could revolutionize goods transit, providing valuable insights into estimated time of arrival and streamlining claim processes in the time-sensitive food industry.
Beyond waste reduction, SecQuAL's digital technology promises to improve food assurance and transparency in the supply chain. It enables remote regulatory oversight, facilitates setting new waste accountability standards, and ensures the provenance of food sold to consumers.
Hassan highlights the importance of IBM Food Trust, a platform employing blockchain technology, in providing a secure and transparent thread across the food supply chain. This solution offers authorized users immediate access to actionable food supply chain data, enhancing trust and transparency.
Ian Gardner of IBM praises the project for its collaborative efforts and innovative approach, emphasizing the significant impact on reducing waste and improving trust in the food supply chain.
Initiated in 2021 and funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, the SecQuAL project continues to explore new applications for its technology. The consortium of ten organizations, including LRQA, IBM, and others, remains committed to advancing the project's objectives.