Designing a Smart Honey Supply Chain for Sustainable Development
Max Rünzel, Edgar Hassler, Richard E. L. Rogers, Giovanni Formato, Joseph A. Cazier
Abstract
Smart agricultural systems can ensure food security at the source, combat counterfeits and mislabeled goods, garner and preserve trust, and reduce the price of product differentiation. In the honey sector, a smart supply chain could help lift beekeepers out of poverty by generating better market opportunities and value for their honey and strengthening apiculture's position as a vital component of sustainable agriculture. In doing so, the proposed system improves food security and food safety, and reduces honey fraud while strengthening greater biodiversity. This article shows how an open, image-based traceability system designed for sustainable development can be built and used around the world. Key smart agricultural technologies discussed include data-driven honey yield prediction and verification, a smart distribution system built on blockchain technology, pollen signature verification with machine learning algorithms, and a final customer information portal. Taken together, this smart agricultural system has the potential to further several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.