.png){kind=logo}
How Food Fence uses Blockchain to ensure end to end traceability of livestock
Defhesa is an innovative concept to create a Blockchain-based system that captures, records, and securely shares critical data throughout the entire lifecycle of an animal, from birth to the final meat product. This system ensures transparency and traceability at every stage of the process, enabling consumers and businesses to track the journey of their meat products with unparalleled precision. The outcome, branded as Dehesa or Angus Certified Meat, guarantees a reliable and verifiable link between the meat on your plate and its source, fostering trust and confidence in the quality and sustainability of the product.
Tech used
Sustainable Enterprise
Web 3.0
Smart Contracts
Microservices
Europe
Challenge
Small farmers often face significant challenges when trying to access large meat customers. Due to limited resources, market reach, and infrastructure, it becomes difficult for them to connect directly with these customers, especially when bulk quantities are required. The demand for certified, high-quality meat further complicates this issue.
As a result, middlemen often step in to bridge the gap between farmers and customers, facilitating communication and transactions. However, middlemen rarely add value to the process, and in many cases, they simply act as a communication link without contributing to quality control or price fairness.
In this system, farmers are at a disadvantage, as they do not receive the full value of their products. The middleman often takes a large commission, leaving the farmer with a fraction of the price that the end customer pays. Meanwhile, the customer, despite requesting quality and certified meat, may not always receive the product they expect, especially when demand spikes. In such cases, the middleman may struggle to meet quantity and quality requirements, leading to compromises in product integrity, which further affects the farmer's income and the customer’s satisfaction.
Moreover, consumers—who ultimately consume the meat—are often left in the dark about the product's origin and quality. They are unaware of key details, such as where the meat came from, what practices were followed in raising the animals, and whether the raw materials were certified. This lack of transparency raises concerns about food safety, quality, and sustainability, ultimately eroding consumer trust. The absence of traceability makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the meat they purchase, limiting their ability to support ethically sourced and high-quality products.
Solution
Defhesa provides a dynamic platform where farmers can register themselves and their livestock, offering a transparent and efficient way to connect with the broader market. Through this platform, farmers can certify their livestock as Dehesa or Angus, ensuring that their products meet high-quality standards. This certification not only guarantees superior quality but also enhances the market value of their products, promoting sustainability by encouraging responsible farming practices. By participating in this system, farmers can access new market opportunities and receive fair compensation for their products, contributing to the long-term viability of their operations.
The platform goes a step further by offering certificates for each product, which include detailed information about its origin and production practices. These certificates are equipped with a QR code, allowing end users or consumers to easily scan and track the journey of the meat they are purchasing. This level of transparency fosters trust in the product and assures consumers that they are buying certified, high-quality, and sustainably sourced meat. It also gives consumers peace of mind about the ethical sourcing and quality of the meat, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.
For large companies with a high demand for certified meat, the Defhesa platform simplifies the process of sourcing. Companies can directly approach the platform’s administrator to inquire about product availability and identify local suppliers in specific regions. This makes it easier for companies to find reliable sources of bulk, certified meat that meet their sustainability goals. It streamlines the procurement process and ensures that companies can meet their demand for quality products while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Ultimately, Defhesa bridges the gap between small farmers and large companies, providing farmers with much-needed market exposure while helping companies secure bulk quantities of high-quality, certified meat. The system creates a win-win situation where farmers can access better markets, higher profits, and more sustainable farming opportunities, while companies can source products that meet their strict quality and sustainability standards. This efficient, transparent platform enhances the overall supply chain, benefiting both producers and consumers alike while promoting long-term sustainability.
Result
The implementation of Defhesa creates a profound impact on both small farmers and large companies by fostering transparency, efficiency, and sustainability throughout the supply chain. For farmers, the platform provides a direct pathway to access broader markets, helping them receive fair compensation and enhancing their products' market value through certification as Dehesa or Angus. This allows farmers to increase their income by showcasing high-quality, certified meat, while also promoting sustainable farming practices that contribute to the long-term health of their operations and the environment.
For large companies, Defhesa simplifies the procurement process, enabling them to easily find local suppliers with bulk quantities of certified meat. With the transparency provided by the platform—through product certificates and QR codes—companies can confidently meet demand without compromising on quality or sustainability. This reduces inefficiencies and ensures a more reliable supply of certified, ethically sourced meat that aligns with the company’s sustainability goals.
Consumers benefit as well, with easy access to traceable, high-quality meat products that are certified and sustainably sourced. The ability to scan the QR code and track the journey of the meat from farm to table increases trust and consumer confidence, ensuring they are making informed choices about the products they purchase.
In terms of quantifiable improvements, Defhesa streamlines the entire supply chain, eliminating intermediaries, and cutting transaction costs by 20-30%. Farmers can expect a 25-40% increase in market exposure and revenue due to enhanced visibility and certification. Companies, on the other hand, benefit from a 15-20% reduction in procurement costs, as well as improved supply chain reliability, enabling them to meet demand for bulk, certified meat while supporting sustainable sourcing practices. The result is a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers, companies, and consumers alike.
