The role of digital technologies in livestock traceability and trade
Policy brief to strengthen livestock traceability, disease control, food safety and trade facilitation
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
The resource titled “The role of digital technologies in livestock traceability and trade” is designed to explain how digital tools improve animal identification, data collection, disease detection, food safety and trade facilitation. The brief provides a high-level overview of how digital tools can strengthen livestock traceability systems.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The resource highlights several digital technologies that enhance livestock traceability, including IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, machine learning, distributed ledger technology, mobile data collection tools, RFID tags, biosensors, robots and DNA testing. The resource also describes emerging identification methods such as facial recognition and e-tongue systems used for detecting adulteration in liquid food products.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The resource serves public regulators, veterinary authorities, traceability system operators, supply chain actors, livestock producers of all sizes, private sector service providers and researchers. It is relevant for countries seeking to improve compliance with international standards, strengthen disease surveillance, enhance food safety, and support exporters accessing high-value markets.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
The resource is publicly accessible and free of charge as part of FAO's Trade and Agriculture Innovation policy brief series.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The publication highlights that farm-to-fork traceability can be strengthened by using secure digital databases, unique identifiers, automated data collection tools and predictive analytics. The brief cites global gaps in traceability systems: only 28 percent, 26 percent and 23 percent of Office International des Epizooties (OIE) countries maintain records on animal traceability, identification and movement, respectively. The resource concludes with priority actions such as strengthening human capital, creating new protocols for technology adoption, improving digital and physical infrastructure, and ensuring equitable access to digital tools.
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better environment
Better life
