The Emerging Role of Traceability and Information in Demand-Oriented Livestock Production

Abstract

Consumer concerns about food safety in general and meat safety in particular have led to an increased demand for information and transparency in food chains, and acted as the major driver for the development of traceability systems. This paper focuses on the current and future role of traceability in demand-oriented meat and livestock production. Consumer demand for information is taken as the starting point. Information about and practice relating to traceability are reported and illustrated from historical and current experience in Belgium. It was found that organizational and operational aspects of traceability were clearly dealt with. However, questions remain with respect to the management of information flows and the proactive, rather than defensive use of traceability realizations. Key points for future success in livestock production chains pertain to market orientation, substantiation of claimed benefit and effective management of information flows.