What the study found
The study found that blockchain can strengthen product-level traceability and improve verification of sustainability and safety claims in agri-food systems. It also found that blockchain may act 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 that align digital innovation with long-term sustainability and equity goals in the agri-food sector. They say this is relevant to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems under global megatrends.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a structured literature review of peer-reviewed and industry sources. They also analyzed a curated dataset of European and international pilot implementations, and used stakeholder-based foresight activities and scenarios from the TRUSTyFOOD project to examine links between blockchain adoption and megatrends.
What worked and what didn't
Evidence from the literature and pilot cases indicates that blockchain can improve transparency, certification, supply chain coordination, traceability, and verification of sustainability and safety claims. Cross-case analysis also identified 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 describe detailed study limitations beyond the constraints found in the cross-case analysis. It also does not provide enough information here to determine how broadly the pilot outcomes apply beyond the cases reviewed.
Key points
- Blockchain was found to improve product-level traceability in agri-food systems.
- The evidence reviewed also linked blockchain with better verification of sustainability and safety claims.
- The study identified barriers such as poor interoperability, varied technical standards, and high costs for smallholders.
- Governance risks were noted for consortium-led blockchain platforms.
- The authors say blockchain should be part of broader participatory strategies for sustainability and equity.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Blockchain can support traceability and verification in agri-food systems
- Authors:
- Christos Karkanias, Apostolos Malamakis, George F. Banias
- Institutions:
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-27
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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