- Amsterdam-based researchers are exploring how blockchain can track food from farm to fork, ensuring clear, tamper-proof records of origin, handling, and pricing.
- By using blockchain, smallholder farmers can gain better visibility and fair compensation, as the technology reduces exploitation by middlemen and ensures payment traceability.
- Blockchain integration allows consumers to verify the ethical and environmental impact of their food choices, promoting more informed and responsible purchasing.
- The research aims to build a more equitable and sustainable food system by combining blockchain with existing certification schemes and digital platforms.
A group of researchers in Amsterdam are studying how blockchain technology could help make our global food system more transparent, fair, and efficient.
Led by the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the team is looking at how blockchain can be used to track food from its origin on the farm all the way to the consumer’s plate.
Through recording every step of the journey in a secure, digital ledger, they hope to give everyone involved from farmers to retailers to shoppers a clearer view of where food comes from and how it was produced.
In many supply chains today, it’s difficult to verify the source of food, how it was grown, or whether the farmers were paid fairly.
Blockchain could help fix that by creating a record that can’t be tampered with. This could increase trust in food products, improve working conditions for farmers, and reduce waste and fraud.
The researchers are especially focused on how this technology can benefit small-scale farmers in developing countries.
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In early trials, they’ve found that blockchain can help these farmers get better prices and prove the quality of their crops, opening doors to international markets.
However, challenges remain. Setting up blockchain systems can be costly and complex, and not all farmers have access to the internet or digital tools. The team in Amsterdam is working on ways to make the technology more accessible and practical.
Their findings suggest that while blockchain isn’t a silver bullet, it could become a valuable tool in building a food system that is more transparent, ethical, and sustainable.
As food supply chains grow more global and complex, innovations like this may become essential.
