Software developer Full Profile (Sydney) is bringing the distributed ledger technology to grain producers as a useful tool to ensure timely payment for delivery.

After liberalisation of grain production in Australia in 2008, farmers are exposed to increased payment risks in case if money for delivered grain does not arrive on time after the supply de-jure changes owners.

During harvest time, which in Australia falls on December and April, Full Profile will launch a trial version of the blockchain designed especially for grain producers. It will record detailed information on each transaction in the supply chain. This data, as well as information on other similar transactions, will be available both to the seller and to the buyer. This way, they can not only track the delivery in real time but also get a better idea of the fair market price. According to co-founder of the company Emma Watson, "it also means more transparency."

Other companies, such as British Provenance, use blockchain to track the origin of foods. The US startup FarmShare even launched its own cryptocurrency for the wholesale trade in local farm products.

 

Ludmila Brus