The blockchain pilot project in the Frievar pig supply chain has been successfully completed. Every year, approximately 100.000 fattening pigs of the Frievar brand are provided with a digital meat passport.
Thanks to AgOS technology, the entire pig chain can be visualized, including the production process and transactions. The data recorded in this blockchain can no longer be changed. The transparency this provides offers various tools to improve processes and guarantees high quality and food safety.
Maximum efficiency
John Lorist, former chairman of the Topigs cooperative and initiator of Frievar, is proud that Frievar is the first brand concept in Dutch pig farming that actually uses the benefits of blockchain technology. "Blockchain ensures that the various parties in the pig chain work together as efficiently as possible. Until now, this was not the case. The technology also offers the best possible assurance."
It is also easy to apply and check, for example by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and IKB Varken. Another example is the monitoring of water quality, which requires the Beter Leven quality mark 4 times a year. "Blockchain technology easily visualizes these moments. Carrying out checks in the production process has never been easier."
Margin distribution better in the picture
In the long run, blockchain technology will also make it possible to offer guarantees to participating pig farmers about the cost price and margin. Lorist: "Pig farmers who say they have a cost of €1,70 per kilo slaughtered are not taken seriously by retail, while retail is not trusted when it comes to providing insight into their margin."
He continues: "Thanks to blockchain technology, we have a better idea of what cost the different parties in the pig chain are dealing with. The more data, the better. Without blockchain technology, you can discuss the cost much faster in the various links of the chain."
100.000 finishers
Frievar has now expanded its turnover to 100.000 fattening pigs per year and the number of pig companies that supply Frievar is now 20. Frievar is a private limited company that has participating pig farmers through the franchise formula. It buys feed and sells pigs for slaughter for these companies. This BV not only wants to achieve economies of scale through joint purchasing and sales, but also wants to organize the primary part of the chain (from rearing sow to slaughter pig) as efficiently as possible. In addition, Frievar wants to be an interesting partner for the next link in the chain, such as Friberne and the 'Gaasterlander Herb Pig'.
Being with the blockchain ForFarmers, Topigs Norsvin, The Pig Practice, MS Skippers and several slaughterhouses involved. The application of the blockchain technology is also being prepared by meat concern Vion, in collaboration with ForFarmers. In Belgium, the supermarket chain Carrefour has been offering artisanal pork since January with far-reaching product guarantees and transparency in the production process, via a QR code on the packaging.
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