New QUT project serves authentic Australian beef to international consumers

Queensland University of Technology researchers and South Australian school students are working towards an international Food Agility CRC project that aims to stamp out “fake steak”.

Their mission is to create digital stories about Australian farmers and agriculture that can be shared with Chinese diners and shoppers. In doing so, they hope to create confidence with international suppliers and consumers about the authenticity of Australian beef.

Jock McQueenie, a researcher and project coordinator from the QUT Design Lab says, “Ultimately, we want to share the content the students create with audiences in China to help promote the quality and authenticity of Australian beef.”

A delegation of Chinese chefs and restaurant owners visited Mount Gambier in South Australia in an event hosted by QUT and BeefLedger – an industry-led project that brings together design, business, technology and food research. The group toured the area’s cattle stations and feedlots and met with the local year 10 students who are putting together stories about their farms.

“During the delegation's visit, the students got to interview the Chinese chefs about their expectations of Australian beef. They’ve also been working with local beef producers and visiting farms and feedlots to film and learn about digital farming (AgTech), the Internet of Things and data analytics,” says Mr McQueenie.

The Food Agility CRC launched the project in an effort to bring a higher level of transparency to all segments of the supply chain. Food Agility CEO Dr Mike Briers says food fraud is a growing concern as the demand for Australian beef in markets such as China exceeds supply.

“‘Fake steak’ is costing Australian producers millions, putting the health of consumers at risk and damaging the Australian brand,” says Dr Briers. “Crypto-technologies like blockchain create an unbreakable, immutable record, tracking a product from paddock to plate, credentialing the provenance of the produce and giving confidence to consumers.”

Earlier this year, the first ever shipment of Australian blockchain-credentialed beef, sourced from Blue Lake Station, arrived in China and was showcased at two industry dinners.

Another shipment and dinner are planned for September.

Read the latest update from QUT here.