From soil to smart contracts: How blockchain is reshaping agriculture

Blockchain and agriculture might seem like strange bedfellows, but as Yana Leonova explains on Episode 19 of “The Clear Crypto Podcast,” the pairing has the potential to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges — from food waste to land disputes.

Blockchain in action

“Agriculture can be a great example of how blockchain can benefit the planet, sustainability and each and every one of us,” Leonova said, and she’s not speaking hypothetically

Her PhD in agricultural economics and her work in Dubai’s innovation ecosystem place her at the intersection of blockchain and real-world impact.

One of the most tangible use cases? Supply chain transparency. Projects like IBM Food Trust and WWF’s OpenSC are already tracking products like seafood and palm oil onchain.

In the UAE, Leonova points to the Farm to Plate initiative, which reduced an estimated $6 billion in food waste by improving visibility and matching supply with demand in real time. She explained:

“Blockchain gives you a real-time picture… and data is the key these days.”

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The technology isn’t just about logistics improvements; it is also about the empowerment of smallholders. “The idea is that we can use tokens and smart contracts… there is no middleman, no judgment,” Leonova said

“If a farmer provides food, he gets paid, automatically and fairly.”

Philosophy of blockchain

The conversation also digs into a more philosophical aspect of blockchain’s role: justice

Leonova outlined how immutable ledgers can protect land ownership rights, especially in the wake of disasters where paper records are lost.

“Nobody can impose their rights on your property. You cannot bribe the blockchain.”

Co-hosts Nathan Jeffay and Gareth Jenkinson underscore how these examples are dismantling the notion that blockchain is only about speculation. “This isn’t about remote cryptography or currency trading,” Nathan said. “This is about addressing real-world problems.”

Leonova remains hopeful about adoption despite lingering skepticism

“It takes time to recognize and adapt to blockchain… But once trust is built, it can play a huge role for humanity.”

To hear the complete conversation on “The Clear Crypto Podcast,” listen to the full episode on Cointelegraph’s Podcasts page, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And don’t forget to check out Cointelegraph’s full lineup of other shows!

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