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<OL> <LI> Investigate using radio frequency identification (RFID) in the tracking, tracing and security issues for movement of goods through the supply chain. <LI> Examine multiple suppliers of RFID products for most efficient application for a particular purpose. <LI> Define applications best suited for homeland security and safety of agricultural packaging and shipments.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: RFID can benefitially impact product and package movement through supply chains while increasing homeland security through track and trace capabilities. The impact is beginning to move beyond \'great potential\' and into the early adoptor stage. The purpose of this research is to learn more about how this technological impact will affect packaging. <P>
APPROACH: Collect RFID tags, readers and software packages from various manufacturers for evaluation in the School of Packaging RFID laboratory. Test various combinations of these components in situations likely to be encountered in actual supply chain facilities, both locally, regionally, internationally or at border crossings. Evaluate how different agricultural products impact RFID useage from both the product and the packaging perspective.