EXPORT opportunities for fresh Australian produce may be enhanced with the melon industry used to trial supply chain traceability.
The Australian Melon Association has received almost $300,000 to assess commercial traceability solutions for their suitability and adoption along fresh produce export chains.
The project will lead to better understanding of the processes and technologies available to support digital traceability in fresh produce export supply chains, using melon fruit as an example.
A Department of Agriculture spokesman said the pilot would trial different technologies to determine the most suitable system for effective traceability that identifies grower, provenance, and an Australian brand in fresh produce.
"This will be led by an export focused supply chain stakeholder group, including growers, wholesalers, exporters, importers and retailers," he said.
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"The project will achieve technological consensus along the supply chain so each step in the chain can add value in recording and managing the product."
It also aims to determine the most effective methods of physical identification of individual pieces of fresh produce.
Melons were seen as a good subject for solving the issue of physical identity due to the limiting factors of identifying melons at the piece level.
Agriculture minister, David Littleproud said Australia's status as one of the world's most trusted sources of clean, green and safe produce would be enhanced, with 16 projects to share in the first round of the federal government's agricultural traceability grants program.
"Modern, accurate, and timely traceability systems help provide even stronger assurances to our trading partners and consumers about the safety and quality of our fantastic produce," he said.
"Funding these projects provides an opportunity to enhance these systems and increase our competitive advantage and market share in international markets."
