Food traceability of locally produced vegetables and fruits in Mauritius is presently a major challenge. While a variety of food labels exist, there is no tampered-proof system yet in place to boost the trust that consumers have in local production. Hence, this project aims at developing a blockchain technology that ensures food traceability through a collaborative work between the Middlesex University and the members of the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture and the interested beneficiaries of its Smart Agriculture project. The university will set the development phases of the blockchain technology (for identified blocks: farmers- certification/ auditing bodies - distribution channel - customers) using the help and technical assistance of the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture (MCA). The latter aims at supporting planters who follow smart agricultural Practices and help them differentiate their products from the ones coming from conventional agriculture and to choose the most appropriate distribution channel for them to gain the best value for their change of production. This project now aims at supporting farmers in their chosen certification or external auditing process(es) and innovating through blockchain technology. Food valorization can be promoted, and transparency ensured from farm to fork for quality and safe products.
