3.1 Introduction – Digitalisation in the AgriFood Sector

Why digitalise?

• Current challenges in the agri-food sector:
  • Supporting a rapidly growing population: 9.7 billion by 2050
  • Over a third of all food produced is lost or wasted each year
  • 26% of greenhouse gas emissions globally come from food production
  • Financial losses associated with food waste (over $230 billion) and food fraud (up to $40 billion)

• Digitalisation and potential solutions
  • Increased productivity
  • Data-driven decision making
  • More efficient, transparent supply chains
  • Waste management and reduction
  • More sustainable, equitable agricultural practices

• This module focuses on Blockchain technology, but it is important to remember that Blockchain represents just one useful tool within the wider digitalisation of the agrifood sector
• Indeed, a certain level of digitalisation (e.g. level of technical literacy, reliable internet connection) is a prerequisite for the adoption of Blockchain technology
• Blockchain is often most effective when used in conjunction with other advanced technologies (e.g. IoT, sensors, cloud computing, machine learning)