Egg supply chain integrity is being enhanced through an Australian Government-backed project that supports farmers to adopt a consistent approach to traceability.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said Australian Eggs Ltd is using $325,200 in Traceability Grants Program funding to develop a software tool and educational material.
“The project will deliver a simple way for farmers to support on-farm egg accounting as well as provide a mechanism for supply chain traceability,” Minister Littleproud said.
“A series of workshops in every state and territory will guide farmers in the use of the tool and explain the benefits enhanced traceability has for them and the industry.
“These workshops will also provide communication materials to farmers to help educate their customers about the safety and premium quality of Aussie eggs.
“It’s important all links in the egg supply chain are aware of the critical relationship traceability has with consumer trust and market opportunities.
“Eggs are a regular part of the diet for millions of Australians. We consume about 17.2 million of them every day.
“In a global market where premium food commands a premium price, trust is our greatest asset.”
A trade-level communications strategy will identify key influencers inside retailers, food distributors, food service and food manufacturing and test key messages with them.
“Egg farmers recognise that traceability delivers consistently high food safety and product integrity outcomes”, Rowan McMonnies, Managing Director of Australian Eggs said.
“This project will enhance our traceability systems and enable the industry to meet its promise to Australian egg consumers.”
This project is being supported by the NSW, Qld and WA state governments and Egg Farmers of Australia which has a database of 450 egg producers.
For more information on the Traceability Grants Program click here.
