Why it matters

Food safety risks occur along the food chain from a number of biological and chemical contaminants. In addition, malpractices or fraudulent practices could also lead to increased food safety risks. Currently, there are big limitations for implementing a global food integrity system which controls safety, authenticity, ethics, fraud, traceability and quality: the food value chain is not fully sensorised yet, available sensors are not always designed to work in an IoT environment, the information provided is neither available online or digitalised and, consequently, the information integrated through the food value chain is not enough to guarantee its reliability. Taking advantage of the increasing level of digitalisation in the food value chain, the agri-food sector is in a good momentum to explore the potential of Blockchain Technologies for food integrity purposes. 

The TrustEat project is a Twinning action aiming to strengthen the research area of food blockchain, focusing on improving INL´s research profile and capturing future opportunities for joint research. With these objectives, partners will develop an R&D Strategic Roadmap, as well as to conduct training for senior and junior researchers, benchmark activities in research management, and develop different activities with stakeholders to make the project sustainable, facilitating the transfer of knowledge.

The 3 Learning Modules

The whole AgriFood BCT solutions involve the development of software (digital layer) but also devices and materials (physical layer), applied to the Food value chain (application area). These layers will be targeted in the training and networking activities of TrustEat, developing a learning module for each of them. The physical layer module will at the same time comprise two main elements: 1) sensors designed for IoT work environment (reliable, affordable and covering the main food risks in the whole food value chain); and 2) anti-counterfeiting materials (readable labels and devices to avoid fraud and falsification).

By applying together with the expertise of WUR in the food value chain field, and IBM in the physical layer and digital layer (crypto anchors and blockchain implementation), INL will be able to improve their scientific performance doing sensors and materials for the physical layer in AgriFood BCT solutions.