Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise export processes and transform digital trade, Banbridge-based tech company ubloquity has said.
Speaking at a Wales Tech Week panel discussion aimed at ‘demystifying’ the applications of blockchain, ubloquity’s Ellen Moorehead described how the Northern Ireland company is using the technology to unblock Welsh lamb exports post-Brexit.
A ubloquity led consortium, TETA , has partnered with Welsh premium organic lamb producer Rhug Estate on a supply chain project to enable the frictionless movement of quality lamb products to export markets.
The award-winning 12,500 acre Rhug Estate is a 100% organic, sustainable farming business which exports premium lamb from Wales to hospitality markets across Europe. However, since Brexit, Rhug’s organic lamb exports have reduced by 50% due to increased administration burdens, highly complex custom regulations, veterinary checks and certifications.
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The ubloquity-led blockchain solution replaces the manual ‘in check’ veterinary process required for exportation with remote digital checks that are authenticated and highly efficient. The blockchain solution provides significant cost reductions to the business and ensures a high level of transparency and accountability throughout the entire process.
This data gathered from the remote checks, along with all the other regulatory information and protocols, is stored on the blockchain, creating a green export lane for Rhug. By achieving trusted trader status, Rhug’s lamb is transported without checks and lengthy time delays.
Ellen Moorehead, Agri Tech Manager at ubloquity joined fellow industry experts at the Wales Tech Week ‘Demystifying the Applications of Blockchain: Is it worth the hype?’ panel discussion. Speaking after the event, Ellen said:
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“It was very exciting to be a part of the panel at Wales Tech Week and share a real life example of how blockchain is transforming supply chains.
“Post-Brexit, meat exporters are facing additional paperwork and regulatory checks on goods entering the EU market, making it more expensive and time-consuming for customers on the continent to source Welsh lamb and other premium meat products.
“We’re delighted to have partnered with Rhug and industry experts to deliver a solution to this problem, using blockchain-enabled technology that digitises the process, allows checks to be carried out remotely, and ensures producers like Rhug can get more fresh, organic lamb to their EU customers."
Source: Written from press release
