Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CP Foods) is pushing forward its “Smart Farm” scheme, whereby digital and Blockchain technology and innovations are being applied for greater farming efficiency. The technology and innovations ensure good health for animals, healthy wellbeing and natural antibiotics-free immunity that meet international animal welfare standards and global demand for meat from producers showing concerns for animal welfare.  

Dr Payungsak Somyanontanagul, DVM, vice president and head of CP Foods Animal Welfare Committee of CP Foods, said that “Smart Farm” has been integrated into farm and animal welfare management as CP Foods follows its policy on animal welfare and responsible use of antibiotics. Automation systems and digital and advanced technology like sensor-enabling Internet of Things, artificial intelligence (AI) and Blockchain have been applied. The systems allow job operators and veterinarians to remotely control animal wellbeing anytime anywhere. Farm management is systematic and offers greater speed and precision. As a result, CP Foods has won national and international standards including QS Standard from Germany and LR Farm F1rst from the United Kingdom.  

CP Foods' premium products like Benja Chicken and Cheeva Pork are certified antibiotic-free throughout the production period by NSF, a global organization offering food safety assurance. This assures consumers that they will get proteins from the process that underpins animal welfare in producing quality, hygienic and safe meat.  

“CP Foods is the only Thai company included in Tier 3 by the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) for two years in a row, from 150 food companies globally, thanks to our unwavering commitment to Smart Farm to elevate animal welfare throughout the supply chain and innovation models for animal health,” Dr Payungsak said.  

Smart Farm has been the heart of the enhancement of production efficiency and safety, allowing fast and precise care for animal health. Animals have maintained good health, enjoyed comfortable living conditions, been safe from outbreaks due to strong immunity and stayed away from antibiotics. Smart Farm also allows transparent traceability across the supply chain and efficient control on use of antibiotics that adds up product credibility.  

Big Data has been developed for efficient data analysis and processing, giving operators the hindsight on the factors that influence animal growth and health.  The data includes animal behaviors and needs, weather conditions as well as the amount of food and water for animals in different age groups. It assists the improvement in the practices concerning animal wellbeing and animal health as well as precise control and prevention of diseases and risks. Meanwhile, Blockchain technology enables transparent traceability throughout the supply chain which raises confidence in the data concerning production and animal welfare management.