News

New app to trace fruit exports

By Jamie Salter

Aug 19, 2020

An app could be used to track Australian horticulture exports to ensure authenticity and compliance is met.

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The University of Tasmania is developing the cloud-based application that will focus on tracing Australian fruit marketed in China.The project will receive $455,000 in Federal Government funding as part of the Traceability Grants Program.Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the funding was an example of innovation to promote Australia’s reputation as a producer of clean, green and safe food.

“Modern, accurate and timely traceability systems assure our trading partners and consumers that our fantastic produce is of the highest quality and safety standards,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The app will also include a function that will further support the digital promotion of Australian fruit and vegetables overseas.

“To ensure a digital solution that is fit for purpose, horticultural supply chain partners will be actively involved in the design process. “The system will also be built to ensure it can be adapted to other Australian fresh produce supply chains with minimal modification.”

Mr Littleproud said key importers from Shanghai markets had already expressed enthusiasm for the market advantage a digital promotion app would provide.

“As we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to ensure farmers can put their best foot forward and effectively market the quality of their outstanding produce.”

The Traceability Grants Program will invest $7 million in grants over two rounds until June 2023.

For more information, visit the Traceability Grants Program web page.