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 describes blockchain as a possible 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. The study suggests this is relevant because blockchain is being considered in the context of major global megatrends affecting future food-system transitions.
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 blockchain adoption pathways.
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. The 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 report detailed quantitative outcomes for the pilot implementations. It also notes that the evidence shows both potential benefits and recurring constraints, so the findings are framed across literature, cases, and foresight scenarios rather than as a single uniform result.
Key points
- Blockchain was found to strengthen product-level traceability in agri-food systems.
- The study reports improved verification of sustainability and safety claims.
- A review of pilot cases found persistent limits in interoperability and technical standards.
- High deployment costs were identified as a barrier for smallholders.
- Governance risks were noted for consortium-led blockchain platforms.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Blockchain can support traceability 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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