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Distributed Ledger Technology Applications in Food Supply Chains: A Review of Challenges and Future Research Directions

Author

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  • Jamilya Nurgazina

    (Department Media and Digital Technologies, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria)

  • Udsanee Pakdeetrakulwong

    (Software Engineering Department, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand)

  • Thomas Moser

    (Department Media and Digital Technologies, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria)

  • Gerald Reiner

    (Department of Information Systems and Operations Management, Vienna University of Economics and Business, 1020 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

The lack of transparency and traceability in food supply chains (FSCs) is raising concerns among consumers and stakeholders about food information credibility, food quality, and safety. Insufficient records, a lack of digitalization and standardization of processes, and information exchange are some of the most critical challenges, which can be tackled with disruptive technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). Studies provide evidence that novel technological and sustainable practices in FSCs are necessary. This paper aims to describe current practical applications of DLTs and IoT in FSCs, investigating the challenges of implementation, and potentials for future research directions, thus contributing to achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within a systematic literature review, the content of 69 academic publications was analyzed, describing aspects of implementation and measures to address the challenges of scalability, security, and privacy of DLT, and IoT solutions. The challenges of high costs, standardization, regulation, interoperability, and energy consumption of DLT solutions were also classified as highly relevant, but were not widely addressed in literature. The application of DLTs in FSCs can potentially contribute to 6 strategic SDGs, providing synergies and possibilities for more sustainable, traceable, and transparent FSCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Jamilya Nurgazina & Udsanee Pakdeetrakulwong & Thomas Moser & Gerald Reiner, 2021. "Distributed Ledger Technology Applications in Food Supply Chains: A Review of Challenges and Future Research Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-26, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4206-:d:533231
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Syaiful Anwar & Tomy Perdana & Meddy Rachmadi & Trisna Insan Noor, 2022. "Traceability Information Model for Sustainability of Black Soybean Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-19, August.
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    6. Antonello Cammarano & Vincenzo Varriale & Francesca Michelino & Mauro Caputo, 2023. "Blockchain as enabling factor for implementing RFID and IoT technologies in VMI: a simulation on the Parmigiano Reggiano supply chain," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 726-754, June.
    7. Pandey, Vivekanand & Pant, Millie & Snasel, Vaclav, 2022. "Blockchain technology in food supply chains: Review and bibliometric analysis," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
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    9. Priyanka Vern & Anupama Panghal & Rahul S Mor & Sachin S. Kamble & Md. Shamimul Islam & Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, 2023. "Influential barriers to blockchain technology implementation in agri-food supply chain," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 1206-1219, September.
    10. Aditi S. Saha & Rakesh D. Raut & Vinay Surendra Yadav & Abhijit Majumdar, 2022. "Blockchain Changing the Outlook of the Sustainable Food Supply Chain to Achieve Net Zero?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-21, December.
    11. Md Al Amin & Dewan Hafiz Nabil & Roberto Baldacci & Md. Habibur Rahman, 2023. "Exploring Blockchain Implementation Challenges for Sustainable Supply Chains: An Integrated Fuzzy TOPSIS–ISM Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-25, September.
    12. Büşra Ayan & Elif Güner & Semen Son-Turan, 2022. "Blockchain Technology and Sustainability in Supply Chains and a Closer Look at Different Industries: A Mixed Method Approach," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-39, December.
    13. Tadesse Kenea Amentae & Girma Gebresenbet, 2021. "Digitalization and Future Agro-Food Supply Chain Management: A Literature-Based Implications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-24, November.
    14. Xiangzhen Peng & Xin Zhang & Xiaoyi Wang & Haisheng Li & Jiping Xu & Zhiyao Zhao, 2022. "Multi-Chain Collaboration-Based Information Management and Control for the Rice Supply Chain," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-26, May.
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    16. Ruiyu Sun & Siyao Zhang & Tianyu Wang & Jiarui Hu & Junhu Ruan & Junyong Ruan, 2021. "Willingness and Influencing Factors of Pig Farmers to Adopt Internet of Things Technology in Food Traceability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-19, August.

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