A fourth-generation rancher says utilizing digital technology can help increase efficiency in the ag industry.
Mark Tague, co-founder of CattleProof Verified, an electronic livestock identification system, told members of a House Ag Subcommittee that ag needs to embrace modern technology.
“In an age where trust drives markets, American agriculture is still being held back by fragmented systems, paper trails and a lack of transparency,” he says. “That’s not just inefficient, it’s expensive and it’s unfair to both producers and consumers.”
He said using more digital platform systems could help position the U.S. to be a global leader in ag innovation.
“Rural America is often left behind when it comes to fintech innovation,” he says. “Blockchain gives us the rare opportunity to reverse that. Commodities represent trillions in value. If we bring these assets on chain with transparency and trust, the US can lead the next era of programmable real world markets.”
Tague says the industry should continue to prioritize innovation, but Congress also needs to take steps to protect producer data.
