Applications and Use Cases

Penn State Extension Announces Survey on Blockchain for PA Farmers


November 19, 2021

How can blockchain technology improve farming? Penn State Extension, the College of Agricultural Sciences, and Smeal College of Business are conducting a survey to find out. The academic consortium recently announced it is asking Pennsylvania produce farmers to take a survey regarding blockchain technology, with hopes of potentially deploying the emerging technology to improve wholesale farm businesses and give Pennsylvania growers a competitive advantage.

The survey has been sent to apple, peach, nectarine, potato, and vegetable growers across Pennsylvania with a goal of collecting producer input on potential applications of blockchain technology. Technology has transformed many aspects of agriculture and our economy, yet many of the business and record-keeping systems used by produce growers lag behind the digital revolution. The use of blockchain has potential applications for farms and food supply chains.

“PA producers planning for their business’s future will do well to keep blockchain technology on their radar,” according to the press release outlining the survey. “Pilot projects that use blockchain to provide information to consumers about a product’s origin, automate contracts and payment for deliveries, manage traceability programs and meet food safety requirements, and collaborate with businesses along the supply chain are currently in progress across the United States and globe.”

Long-term success requires learning new tools and techniques as they benefit agriculture business and justify the costs of adoption, according to the academic consortium. The role of Penn State Extension is to understand new tools and techniques, find ways to address current challenges faced by stakeholders, and create new opportunities for their success.

Reports on the information gathered from the ongoing survey, as well as focus groups for those interested, are expected to be ready in winter 2021. Pennsylvania growers with questions or interest about the “Wholesale Farms and Blockchain Technology Survey” are advised to contact Jay Eury at [email protected] or 717-398-3849.

For more information about consumer and enterprise blockchain technology and its applications, plan on attending The Blockchain Event February 8th to 11th, 2022 as part of the #TECHSUPERSHOW at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Blockchain Event helps decision-makers, technologists, and developers understand the value of blockchain to their businesses regardless of industry. For more information or to register, visit the show’s web site




Edited by Luke Bellos

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