Blockchain Technology for Transparency in Agri-Food Supply Chain: Use Cases, Limitations, and Future Directions

Modern agri-food supply chains have transitioned from autonomous and independent local actors to globally interlinked system of multiactors connected by complex relationships, affecting ways in which food is produced, processed, transported, and delivered to end consumers. Frequent incidences of fraudulent practices expose lack of transparency in agri-food supply chains, causing concerns related to economic losses, eroding consumer trust and enterprise brand value. Traditionally associated with cryptocurrencies, banking and finance, blockchains are now being applied in the agri-food sector to address supply chain-related challenges. This article examines the question: How blockchain technology facilitates transparency in agri-food supply chains? Primary attributes of blockchain, namely traceability, immutability, auditability, and provenance, promote transparency in supply chains. Using thematic analysis, the following three areas were identified for implementing blockchain in agri-food supply chains: first, agri-food distribution; second, agri-food origin and sourcing; third, agri-food safety and quality. By cross-mapping thematic areas with primary attributes, our analysis resulted in classification of 25 uses cases. Preliminary findings of this study highlight blockchain-enabled transparency via contemporary uses cases in conceptual, proof-of-concept and commercial stages. It is imperative to sift through the hype and scrutinize limitations of the technology which could interfere with its adoption, deployment, and scalability in agri-food supply chains.