ADAMA to use blockchain technology against illegal agrochemicals

The agrochemical multinational, ADAMA, revealed firsthand to AgroPages that it is launching a blockchain-based agrochemical packaging tracking system in the Brazilian market, in order to combat counterfeiting and adulteration, as well as to ensure product traceability.

ADAMA packages will have a unique, immutable QR code encoded on the blockchain, a shared network of records. The code can be read by a specialist application installed on mobile devices that are connected to the internet, making it possible to verify the authenticity and origin of a product.

″In order to take advantage of the ability to verify a product’s origin, the farmer will only need to download the application and register on the system. Through this, all readings taken will be recorded on the producer's cell phone to be checked,″ said Roberson Marczak, Innovation Manager at ADAMA Brasil.

ADAMA is currently in the coding and development phase of the application and web interface, which will be finalized and ready for implementation in the first quarter of 2023. The system will then be used in the packaging process of two or three key ADAMA products. In the third phase, ADAMA will evaluate the application for its entire product line, which is expected to take place by 2025.

With this packaging traceability system via blockchain, it will be possible to identify the history of products, such as their origin, destination and other details.

″The benefits for the farmer are confidence and security in the origin of the solution they are purchasing, which is a guarantee against the counterfeiting or adulteration of a pesticide. For ADAMA, it offers security against theft and counterfeiting, as it will be possible to trace the product from the moment it leaves the factory until it reaches the end user,″ Marczak said.

The commercialization and use of adulterated or stolen agrochemicals is a threat to farming and a risk to human health and the environment. The use of illegal or counterfeit pesticides represents 20% of total applications in the country, according to Brazil’s National Union of the Plant Protection Product Industry (Sindiveg).

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)