The new system will allow up-to-date information relating to on-farm activities and features a news feed section and the ability to consolidate production information on a weekly basis. The system benefits are multifaceted, meeting the needs of all of the actors involved – the farmer, the government and the consumer. It will transform the way producers manage daily operations on-farm, meet food safety standards made by governments and act as a proactive measure for food traceability – an ever increasing demand made by consumers.
This is a big step towards a modern way of managing on-farm information. Prior to the analysis system everything was recorded on paper and there was no way to sort or compare data. Now that this system is available, it will provide real time data allowing producers to correct problems right away. This has created a win-win scenario as the new system address the drain on farmer’s time and reduces bio security risks.
“The trust equation has really changed and [producers] are now looking at us as a real business partner rather than the organization that has come in and told them what to do” says Anne-Marie Butler, Director of Finance and Administration at BC Egg.
Other than a small handful of producers, the Egg Marketing Board hopes to have the majority of egg producers utilizing the new system. To date the BC Egg Marketing Board has purchased 50 licences for producers and is currently running training sessions for those who will be adopting the new system.