The Code:Re-farm project marked the first time such a comprehensive study was conducted on both goat and poultry farming systems, aiming to clearly demonstrate links between husbandry practices and the intrinsic quality of animal-derived products. The project moved beyond conventional quality assessments by:
a) evaluating food product quality and safety holistically—including compositional, physical, functional, and microbiological characteristics,
b) integrating animal health and welfare into the assessment framework, recognizing their direct link to product quality and their importance to societal values, and
c) developing novel tools and methods for efficient and affordable data collection across the value chain. These innovations included on-site instrumentation for assessing milk and egg quality, as well as automated technologies for monitoring animal health and welfare.
A key achievement was the development of the PINAPL platform enabling full traceability of livestock products from farm to fork. The project also conducted a study on consumer needs and societal expectations, using these insights to shape new, sustainable, consumer-focused business models.
In terms of impact, Code:Re-farm significantly advanced scientific understanding of the relationship between farming systems and the intrinsic quality of animal products in goats and poultry. It also contributed to animal welfare science by evaluating welfare conditions within different husbandry systems. The novel tools and methods developed—ranging from quality assessment technologies to welfare and stress analysis systems—have potential for commercialization and can form the basis of the Code:Re-farm methodology for ensuring product traceability and quality assurance.
The project empowered farmers with tools to demonstrate transparency regarding product quality and animal welfare, responding to growing societal demands for sustainable and ethical production. Through the Code:Re-farm Decision Support System (DSS), the link between farming practices and product authenticity was made clearer, providing a knowledge base for future research and innovation.
The pilot studies informed proposals for improvements in farming systems and management strategies, with implications for the entire value chain. The project’s results hold scientific, socio-economic, policy, governance, and environmental significance. The innovative business models, tools, and platforms developed could influence future regulations, standards, and strategic plans. If technologies like those proposed are adopted, they may lead to stricter oversight—positively impacting food quality, safety, and ultimately human health.
Now completed, Code:Re-farm leaves a legacy of innovation, insight, and actionable tools that can shape the future of sustainable livestock production.
