Traceability systems enable information to be captured across the farm and on through the supply chain, tracking the journey of food from farm to consumer.
Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) partnered with Agriculture Victoria to lead a major innovative pilot project to strengthen cherry on-farm traceability for high-value export markets.
The 2 year pilot project, funded by the Victorian Government, ran through the 2022 and 2023 cherry harvest seasons, and aimed in Year 1 to develop on-farm traceability and in Year 2 to build, diversify and protect exports by developing producer-to-consumer traceability. The technology that was developed has the potential for future use across the cherry industry.
The project team implemented new traceability systems, including labelling and integration with cool chain tracking, to help maintain and elevate safety and quality for consumers and leverage the value of Australian export brands.
During Year 1 of the pilot, the project team implemented RFID systems to trial on-farm traceability. These RFID systems track fruit as it’s harvested in the orchard, received and processed at the packing shed, and dispatched to fulfil customer orders. This traceability automation brings a wealth of efficiency and accuracy to cherry production, empowering our industry for future growth.
At the centre of Year 2 of the CGA traceability pilot, is a little QR code with a lot of power.
Each GS1 Digital Link-enabled QR code label is unique and serialised, allowing automated identification of each pack and sharing of data with every business in the supply chain. Everyone from grower to consumer can authenticate the food’s precise origin and engage with the brand through an open platform smartphone scan.
Live QR code – Scan for Sample of Real Time Tracking
CGA is calling on supply chain members and the wider horticulture community to help raise awareness about the importance of traceability on farms and in the cherry supply chain. This is to increase scan rates across the supply chain all the way through to the consumer and effectively bolster future export capacity.
Several resources have been developed to help supply chain partners embrace the results of the pilot project and engage with the traceability technology.
🍒 The Cherry Traceability Journey 🎥
Witness the route of your cherries from the farm, through the supply chain and into your shopping cart in this video. It’s an eye-opening look at the innovation and hard work that went into making Australian cherries traceable. 🌳🍒
With RFID systems we automated the process of tracking cherries from orchard to packing shed, ensuring efficiency and accuracy at every step. We then introduced the QR code revolution, allowing you to scan, trace, and experience the full story of your cherries.
This process is supported by global GS1 standards, to help harmonise supply chains digitally all around the world. 📱🍒 But that’s not all! We’ve added an exciting cherry-picking game so the fun doesn’t stop at the checkout. 🎮🍒
Your cherries, your story, your experience – all thanks to the Cherry Traceability Project. 🍒
Welcome to Cherry Hill Orchards, where transparency meets taste in our commitment to traceability. Join us in this short overview video as we unveil our Cherry Traceability Pilot Project, designed to empower you, the consumer, with the knowledge of how your cherries make their way from our orchards to your table.
Through innovative QR codes on our packaging, Stephen and our team guide you through the seamless process of tracing your cherries’ journey, from the moment they’re picked to when they reach your fingertips. Discover the origins of your cherries, the hands that cultivated them, and the rigorous quality checks they undergo.
With each scan, you’ll unlock a deeper understanding of the meticulous journey behind every bite. Join us in celebrating transparency and trust as we invite you to explore the fascinating world of cherry traceability at Cherry Hill Orchards. Explore, authenticate, and follow the journey of your Australian cherries.
🍒 Explore QR Code Technology in Traceability for the Cherry Industry 🍒
Our latest video from the Cherries Traceability Pilot project shines a spotlight on the ground breaking use of QR code technology in cherry traceability.
Previously we showcased RFID technology now it’s time to look at how the QR code plays it’s part in the process. Join us as we delve into how QR codes empower consumers to track the journey of our premium cherries, ensuring authenticity and quality with every scan.
Get ready to witness the evolution of cherry production in this captivating exploration of QR code traceability.
Join us in uncovering the future of cherry production with the RFID technology that was used in the Cherries Traceability Pilot. Our latest video dives deep into what RFID technology is, and the implementation at CherryHill Orchards revolutionising how you track and manage your cherries from orchard to table.
Discover the importance of traceability in the cherry industry, the transition to automated on-farm systems, and the role of RFID technology in streamlining processes and ensuring premium quality is monitored efficiently.
Watch now to learn from industry experts about, the integration of RFID inventory tracking with the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and the adoption of GS1 traceability standards. Embrace innovation and sustainability as we pave the way for a more transparent and efficient future. 🍒🌱
Our latest video from the Cherries Traceability Pilot showcases Traceability from start to finish. Previously we showcased RFID technology specifically, and QR code technology, and how individually they play their parts in the process.
Now we invite you to join us on an exciting journey as we explore the journey of our cherries from tree to table. From the picturesque cherry orchards to the meticulous packing process, learn how we ensure the authenticity and quality of every cherry.
With RFID technology, QR codes, and GS1 standards, Traceability is revolutionising the way cherries are traced. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into the future of cherry production.
Download the report by clicking the image below.
Download the report by clicking the image below.
This Traceability Cost Benefit Analysis calculator has been developed to assist producers and processors assess the viability of procuring and implementing traceability systems. The tool estimates a return on investment based on user inputs regarding the costs and benefits of procuring and implementing a new traceability system. The accuracy of estimated results depends on the quality of information provided by the user on the inputs page.
This tool was developed by Agriculture Victoria in collaboration with stakeholders from the cherry, table grapes and citrus industries, logistics sector, traceability system solution providers and GS1 Australia.
This model has been prepared by Agriculture Victoria for businesses to identify the potential benefits of introducing a traceability system. Any results presented are general in nature and the choice to adopt a traceability system should be considered alongside other information and expertise. The results are calculated based on the user-inputted information. These results are an estimate and should be used for guidance purposes only.
Director
Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.
Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.
Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
Director
Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.
Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.
Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.
Honorary Treasurer
Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.
He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.
Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.
In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.
Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
Director
Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.
Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.
Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.
Deputy Chair
Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.
Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.
Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.
Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.
Chair
I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.
I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!
I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.
Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.
In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.
In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.
I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!
Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009
Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013
Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024
