Stakeholder Perceptions of Blockchain Transparency in the Agri-Food Supply Chain

Abstract

This study explores the role of blockchain transparency in the agri-food supply chain (FSC) by analyzing stakeholder perceptions of its benefits and barriers. While blockchain technology has been promoted as a solution for traceability, accountability, and consumer trust in the FSC, its broader adoption has remained limited. The research investigates this gap by focusing on transparency — a defining yet controversial feature of blockchain — and how it is perceived by key actors within the supply chain.

The research was conducted with the resources from the EU-funded TRUSTyFOOD project and employed a qualitative, four-phase thematic analysis based on data from five multi-stakeholder workshops. This paper focuses on two foundational stakeholder groups: farmers and agro-food companies. Key findings reveal that while blockchain transparency is associated with benefits such as improved consumer trust, storytelling, food fraud prevention, and equitable value distribution, it also presents barriers. These include data privacy concerns, competitive disadvantage, technological immaturity, and skepticism regarding the authenticity of on-chain data.

Importantly, the study identifies a disconnect between stakeholder understanding of blockchain capabilities and the nuances of different blockchain configurations (e.g., public vs. private). The research highlights the need for educational initiatives, standardized protocols, and regulatory frameworks to address stakeholder hesitancy and support successful implementation. By centering stakeholder voices, this research offers nuanced insights into the transparency–privacy trade-off, ultimately informing future blockchain adoption strategies within the agri-food sector.