Purpose: To provide an overview of traceability systems from cultivation to final market for agarwood and other high-value plant products, ensuring legal compliance, sustainability, and supply chain transparency.
A. Definition and Importance
- Farm-to-market traceability tracks products from origin through processing, storage, transport, and sale.
- Ensures compliance with CITES, NDF requirements, and ESG standards.
- Supports quality control, fraud prevention, and investor confidence.
B. Key Components
- Farm-Level Records:
- Plantation identification, GPS coordinates
- Tree inventory, harvest dates, resin induction methods
- Responsible personnel and documentation
- Processing and Storage Logs:
- Resin extraction, processing steps, and product form
- Storage conditions, inventory control, and packaging
- Transport and Logistics Tracking:
- Shipment records, permits, and certificates
- Real-time tracking for high-value consignments
- Market and End-User Records:
- Buyer details, invoices, and contracts
- Product form and quantity
- Integration with CITES Documentation:
- Linking CoC, NDF, permits, and source codes to each shipment
- Maintaining audit trails for regulatory and investor review
C. Model Types
- Manual Systems:
- Paper-based logs for farms and warehouses
- Suitable for small-scale operations
- Digital Systems:
- Cloud-based databases and mobile apps
- Real-time monitoring, QR code tracking, and automatic reporting
- Blockchain-Enabled Traceability:
- Immutable, tamper-proof records
- Enables global verification and buyer transparency
D. Practical Implementation
- Start with farm-level identification and inventory
- Link harvest and processing data to shipment records
- Integrate with permits, CoC documentation, and source codes
- Train staff and stakeholders on data entry and verification
- Periodically audit the system to ensure integrity and compliance
Learning Outputs
- Understanding of farm-to-market traceability and its importance for legal and sustainable trade
- Ability to implement appropriate traceability models (manual, digital, blockchain)
- Knowledge of integrating traceability with CITES documentation and compliance systems
- Skills to maintain transparency, quality control, and market credibility