We looked at a variety of new and existing options for livestock traceability. Blockchain was identified as an emerging technology capable of revolutionizing supply chains by creating a connected network of users securely reporting and trading data.  It sounded like an ideal solution for our trace system, but we wanted to be sure that it could be implemented with systems and equipment that already exist in the field so we conducted a field trial. 

As we consulted on the future regulatory amendments that will close the loop on full traceability, we saw the effectiveness of disease tracking being whittled away because current technology available in the field made meeting reporting requirements too difficult.  At the same time, we heard from producers that ‘if we are going to keep putting tags in sheep ears, we are going to need to get something in return’. It was clear that a traceability system capable of managing regulated data, meeting producer needs, and fostering innovation wasn’t yet available.  So we set out to design a system specifically for Canadian sheep farmers.

The trial tracked a group of lambs from their farm of origin through to final packaging, collecting future trace reports and carrying animal information along the value chain and to the customer.  When the customer scanned the packaged product, they could learn about how the product was raised.  The field trial was hugely successful and confirmed that we could meld the new technology with existing infrastructure.  Shortly after the trial, we were approached by the Community of Federal Regulators to partner in a use case study of blockchain technology in regulated environments.  The study concluded that the approach we were proposing for managing traceability was an ideal solution, and better than existing systems.  This was the confirmation that we needed to confidently move ahead with developing AgroLedger.  

AgroLedger development was funded by the CSF and the technology is owned 100% by Canadian sheep farmers and ranchers. 

And the rest, as they say, is history!