Soil Association Certification has launched a trial of new blockchain technology, which it hopes will revolutionise the way consumers access provenance data.
The NGO’s certification arm and tech startup Provenance launched the trial last week in association with health food retailer As Nature Intended.
Shoppers buying organic bacon at the retailer’s Chiswick store will be able to scan packs with an app developed by Provenance, and trace the journey of the product from the shop shelf to its production at Eversfield Organic Farm in Devon.
The technology integrated data from farm, abattoir, processor, certifier and store to create a digital profile and map of the product’s history, said Soil Association NPD manager Louse Forster-Smith, who claimed the initiative was a first for organic food in the UK.
The first bacon from the trial was due to go into the store on Tuesday 20 June, with the scheme running until 27 June, she added. A second trial is due to start in July.
“Provenance’s software makes it easy to make supply chains more transparent and track produce with proven certificates,” she said.
“The trial uses cutting edge software that will enable a growing number of tech-minded consumers access to real time data and information on their chosen organic product, even before they head to the till.”
The long-term aim of the scheme was to enable the organic sector to lead the way in the development of transparent supply chains across the food and drink industry - including producers, processors, retailers and certifiers, added a spokesman for the NGO.
“It is also hoped the technology can help counter mistrust in the food industry and bring the farmer closer to the consumer,” he said.
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