New Sustainable Sugar Project Uses Blockchain to Boost Sugarcane Industry

The Sustainable Sugar Project aims to use encrypted data, called blockchain, to clearly show sugar buyers where the sugarcane came from and the sustainability of that farm.

Queensland Sugarcane growers will be able to show big sugar buyers how sustainably their product was grown thanks to a cutting-edge project funded by the Coalition Government.

The Sustainable Sugar Project aims to use encrypted data, called blockchain, to clearly show sugar buyers where the sugarcane came from and the sustainability of that farm. Big sugar buyers, who are seeking more and more sustainably grown product, are likely to pay more in future for sustainably grown and fully traceable sugar as their customers ask for it.

Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said this smart farm project will help farmers gain recognition for farming sustainably and hopefully down the track, increase farm gate prices.

“Canegrowers across central Queensland are getting on board with the Smartcane Best Management Practice approach to soil health, vegetation, and biodiversity,” Ms. Landry said.

“They deserve to be recognized and rewarded for it.

“The $2.25 million Smart Farm grant was delivered to Queensland Cane Growers’ who will partner with Queensland Sugar Ltd on this four-year project.”

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said consumers and food manufacturers want sustainably sourced food and fiber, including sugar, and they want to know where it comes from.

“This project aims to use new blockchain technology, which is an encrypted chain of data, to show clearly where the sugarcane came from and the sustainability of that farm,” Minister Littleproud said.

The reason this data is so important is it cannot be tampered with. Coca-Cola, for example, has a plan to source 100 percent of its sugar from sustainable sources by 2020. Blockchain technology would help Coca-Cola to pinpoint sustainably grown sugar in the supply chain, where it came from and who grew it.

This technology would provide assurances around the sustainability of our sugar and ensure cane farmers using sustainable practices can attract a premium price for their product.

Because the demand for sustainably produced food continues to grow this project will help to increase exports and help gain better access to markets to capitalize on our important free trade agreements.