Blockchain can support traceability in agri-food systems

What the study found: Blockchain can strengthen product-level traceability and improve verification of sustainability and safety claims in agri-food systems. The study also says it can function as an enabling digital layer for sustainable and resilient food systems.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that blockchain should be embedded in wider, participatory strategies so digital innovation aligns with long-term sustainability and equity goals in the agri-food sector. They also say this is relevant to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems under global megatrends.
What the researchers tested: The paper used a structured literature review of peer-reviewed and industry sources, plus a curated dataset of European and international pilot implementations. It also used stakeholder-based foresight activities and scenarios from the TRUSTyFOOD project to examine blockchain adoption pathways and their links to megatrends.
What worked and what didn't: Evidence from the literature and pilot cases indicates improvements in transparency, certification, supply chain coordination, traceability, and verification of claims. The cross-case analysis also found persistent constraints, including heterogeneous technical standards, limited interoperability, high deployment costs for smallholders, and governance risks from consortium-led platforms.
What to keep in mind: The abstract does not provide detailed limitations beyond the constraints noted above. The findings are based on a multi-source evidence approach that includes literature, pilot cases, and foresight scenarios.

Key points

• Blockchain was reported to improve product-level traceability in agri-food systems.
• The study found evidence for better verification of sustainability and safety claims.
• Pilot and literature evidence pointed to gains in transparency, certification, and supply chain coordination.
• Persistent constraints included interoperability problems, heterogeneous standards, and high costs for smallholders.
• Governance risks were noted for consortium-led blockchain platforms.