Category: General News

As part of its mission to foster innovation and digital transformation in the agri-food sector, the TRUSTFOOD project continues to build bridges between education and industry. Over the course of April 7–8, 2025, AgroTransilvania Cluster had the distinct pleasure of connecting with future professionals in the food supply chain during a series of presentations at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca.

TRUSTFOOD is an ambitious Digital Europe initiative dedicated to designing and delivering short-term training courses aimed at upskilling and reskilling the labour force. With a strong focus on SMEs in the agri-food value chain, these courses will equip business owners, managers, and employees with highly practical skills, particularly in the application of blockchain and other key digital technologies relevant to the sector.

During the two-day engagement at the university, AgroTransilvania Cluster showcased the relevance of digital innovation and sustainable practices to an audience of students from various educational levels and backgrounds.

Highlights from April 7:

• A dedicated session with international students provided a global perspective on innovation in agri-food systems. Discussions revolved around emerging digital tools and how they can be applied to increase transparency, traceability, and efficiency in food supply chains worldwide.
• Second-year students from the Faculty of Food Science attended a presentation that delved into current trends and pressing challenges in the food system. The session emphasized the need for digital competencies and encouraged students to explore how technologies like blockchain can enhance food safety and consumer trust.

Highlights from April 8:

• Students enrolled in Food Industry and Food Business programs participated in an in-depth discussion on the practical applications of digital tools in their future careers. The session reinforced TRUSTFOOD’s mission to deliver real-world, applicable knowledge to the next generation of professionals.
• In partnership with the “Green School” initiative, an interactive workshop was held with high school students to raise awareness about sustainability and environmental stewardship from an early age. The initiative aligns with TRUSTFOOD’s broader goal of fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation within the agri-food ecosystem.

These sessions provided a meaningful platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration. By involving students at various stages of their educational journeys, TRUSTFOOD and AgroTransilvania Cluster reaffirm their commitment to cultivating a skilled and forward-thinking workforce, ready to embrace the digital transformation of the agri-food sector.

In a significant stride towards digital transformation in the agri-food sector, Smart Agro Hub proudly represented the TRUSTFOOD project at the BEYOND 2025 Expo, held in Athens. This premier technology and innovation event provided an ideal platform to highlight TRUSTFOOD’s mission: equipping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food supply chain with advanced digital skills, particularly in blockchain technology.

TRUSTFOOD, a collaborative initiative under the Digital Europe Programme, aims to upskill and reskill the agri-food workforce through specialized training courses. These courses focus on the practical applications of blockchain technology to enhance transparency, traceability, and trust across the food supply chain. By providing real-time, tamper-proof data, TRUSTFOOD empowers consumers, producers, and regulators to make informed decisions, fostering a safer and more sustainable food system.

Smart Agro Hub, a competence center in smart farming initiated by the Agricultural University of Athens, plays a pivotal role in the TRUSTFOOD project. With a team of highly qualified scientists and a robust infrastructure, Smart Agro Hub is committed to driving innovation and sustainability in agriculture through digital technologies. Their participation in BEYOND 2025 underscores their dedication to bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in the agri-food sector.

At the expo, Smart Agro Hub engaged with a diverse audience, including industry professionals, academics, and policymakers, to discuss the transformative potential of blockchain in agriculture. The event facilitated meaningful conversations on how digital tools can address current challenges in the food supply chain, such as food fraud, inefficiencies, and lack of transparency.

The representation of TRUSTFOOD at BEYOND 2025 not only amplified the project’s visibility but also reinforced the importance of digital literacy in agriculture. As the sector navigates the complexities of the modern food system, initiatives like TRUSTFOOD are instrumental in preparing the workforce to leverage technology for improved outcomes.

On March 28th 2025, TRUSTFOOD and DEDEP.eu joined forces to host a dynamic online workshop focused on two essential pillars of EU project success: effective communication and the active involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With a shared commitment to strengthening the European innovation ecosystem, the event highlighted practical strategies for empowering SMEs—particularly those in the agri-food sector—to engage more fully in EU-funded initiatives.

The session addressed a growing challenge in European project implementation: how to ensure that SMEs not only benefit from but also meaningfully contribute to research, innovation, and digital transformation efforts. In particular, the workshop emphasized the role of digital skills development, tailored outreach, and strategic dissemination in breaking down participation barriers.

TRUSTFOOD, an initiative under the Digital Europe Programme, is dedicated to equipping agri-food professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and implement emerging technologies, especially blockchain. Through short-term, highly practical training courses, TRUSTFOOD aims to upskill and reskill SME owners, managers, and employees, enhancing their capacity to compete in a digitally driven marketplace.

DEDEP.eu (Digital Education and Dissemination for European Projects) complements this mission by offering expert insights into best practices for communication and stakeholder engagement in EU-funded projects. By leveraging both digital tools and human-centered strategies, DEDEP.eu works to make complex project outcomes more accessible and impactful for wider audiences—including SMEs that often lack the internal resources to navigate the EU project landscape.

Workshop participants had the opportunity to learn from real-world examples, explore actionable outreach tactics, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the importance of inclusive project design. From increasing transparency with blockchain solutions to designing communication strategies that resonate with non-technical stakeholders, the session delivered valuable takeaways for project coordinators, SMEs, and policy advocates alike.

Missed the workshop? You can watch the full session here: Watch on YouTube

By continuing to foster collaboration between projects like TRUSTFOOD and DEDEP.eu, the European innovation community moves closer to building a more inclusive, digitally empowered, and impact-driven future.

As part of the TRUSTFOOD initiative’s ongoing outreach and educational mission, 482.solutions recently hosted an online school visit to introduce students to the cutting-edge potential of blockchain technology in the agri-food sector. This engaging and interactive session highlighted the ways digital innovation is reshaping how food is produced, traced, and trusted across the supply chain.

TRUSTFOOD, a forward-looking Digital Europe project, is dedicated to delivering practical, short-term training courses that support the upskilling and reskilling of workers in the agri-food and food supply chain sectors. With a strong emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the initiative focuses on real-world applications of blockchain technology to ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

During the session, students were introduced to key concepts such as transparency, traceability, and trust—three pillars essential to modern food systems. The team from 482.solutions explained how blockchain enables tamper-proof, real-time data to flow securely from farm to fork. By doing so, it empowers not only producers and distributors but also regulators and consumers with reliable, accessible information.

The session also provided students with practical examples of how blockchain technology can prevent fraud, ensure food safety, and improve supply chain accountability. These discussions gave young participants a first-hand look at how digital tools can lead to more responsible food production and smarter, data-driven decision-making.

Engaging with curious and enthusiastic students offered a glimpse into the future of the food industry—one where innovation meets responsibility. By connecting with the next generation of thinkers, TRUSTFOOD and 482.solutions are helping to build a digitally skilled workforce ready to lead the transformation of the agri-food ecosystem.

We are proud to announce that TRUSTFOOD was presented during the March Coordination Meeting with the National Coalitions for Digital Skills and Jobs, following a kind invitation from Ioanna Tsotsou. This high-level meeting brought together representatives from across Europe to discuss current initiatives, future collaborations, and strategies to advance digital skills development in key sectors.

The session provided an ideal platform to spotlight TRUSTFOOD’s mission: supporting the digital transformation of the agri-food industry by upskilling and reskilling SMEs through practical, accessible training in blockchain and other emerging digital technologies. TRUSTFOOD, as part of the Digital Europe Programme, focuses on providing real-world knowledge to SME owners, managers, and employees—empowering them to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving food supply chain.

Key discussion points included:

• The critical role of digital skills in transforming the agri-food sector. With increased demand for transparency, sustainability, and efficiency, digital tools—particularly blockchain—are becoming essential to the industry’s future.
• How TRUSTFOOD’s training courses support SMEs. Designed with practicality in mind, the courses are tailored to meet the needs of small businesses, ensuring they can adopt digital technologies without large-scale disruption or technical barriers.
• Opportunities for collaboration with national coalitions. The meeting also explored ways in which TRUSTFOOD could partner with national initiatives to scale its impact, reach more stakeholders, and contribute to broader EU goals for digital inclusion.

We extend our sincere thanks to Ioanna Tsotsou and all meeting participants for their interest, engagement, and shared commitment to advancing digital skills across Europe. This exchange reinforces the importance of cooperation between EU-level projects and national coalitions to build a digitally skilled and resilient workforce.

We are pleased to announce a strategic partnership between TRUSTFOOD and the FOODGUARD project, uniting two leading European initiatives committed to enhancing innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation within the agri-food sector.

TRUSTFOOD, a Digital Europe Programme project, focuses on upskilling and reskilling the agri-food workforce—particularly SMEs—through practical training in blockchain and other digital technologies. Its mission is to empower food supply chain actors with advanced digital competencies to improve transparency, traceability, and trust across the industry.

FOODGUARD, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, aims to develop and demonstrate co-created solutions based on microbiome applications, microbial activities, and technology hubs to address food, health, economic, and environmental challenges. The project envisions a framework of toolsets and methodologies to provide sustainable solutions in food processing, packaging, and across the food value chain to address food shelf-life increase and waste reduction holistically .

This partnership brings together TRUSTFOOD’s expertise in digital skills development and blockchain applications with FOODGUARD’s innovative approaches to food preservation and waste reduction. By collaborating, the two projects aim to create synergies that will accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and best practices among SMEs in the agri-food sector.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Integrated Training Modules: Developing comprehensive training programs that combine TRUSTFOOD’s digital skills curriculum with FOODGUARD’s insights into sustainable food processing and packaging.
• Joint Pilot Projects: Implementing pilot demonstrations that showcase the practical applications of blockchain technology in enhancing food shelf-life and reducing waste, leveraging the methodologies developed by FOODGUARD.
• Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices between the two projects to foster innovation and drive systemic change in the agri-food industry.

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable, and digitally empowered agri-food sector in Europe.

TRUSTFOOD, in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, successfully co-organized an insightful event titled “Blockchain in the Agrifood Supply Chain.” The event gathered members of the Chamber to explore the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the agrifood sector.

The event served as a platform to present TRUSTFOOD’s specialized courses and provide participants with a deeper understanding of blockchain applications in supply chain management. Experts highlighted the benefits of blockchain technology, such as enhanced transparency, traceability, and efficiency in food production and distribution. Additionally, discussions addressed the barriers to widespread adoption, including regulatory challenges and technological integration.

By fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration, TRUSTFOOD and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry reaffirmed their commitment to driving innovation and digital transformation within the agrifood sector. Participants engaged in productive discussions, gaining valuable insights into the future of blockchain technology and its role in ensuring a more secure and trustworthy food supply chain.

You can watch the event here.

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has transformed one of the TRUSTFOOD training courses into an in-person learning experience!

Course: Enhancing Food Supply Chain Integrity – The Role of Blockchain in Traceability

This cutting-edge course is now open for postgraduate students, job seekers, and professionals eager to expand their expertise in blockchain technology and its applications within the agri-food chain. Designed to address the pressing need for greater transparency and integrity in food supply chains, this program will offer participants valuable insights into blockchain’s role in ensuring traceability and food safety.

Course Dates: To be announced
Location: Wageningen University, The Netherlands

The course is meticulously organized by VLAG graduate school in collaboration with the Food Quality and Design chair group at Wageningen University & Research. Leading experts, including Pieternel Luning, Pien Schouten, and Selcen Semercioz-Oduncuoglu, PhD, will guide participants through an interactive and enriching learning experience.

This initiative is a significant milestone for TRUSTFOOD, reinforcing our commitment to advancing food traceability education and supporting professionals in the sector. Whether you are a researcher, industry expert, or an aspiring professional, this course is your gateway to mastering blockchain applications in the food industry.

🔗 Find more details and register here: Course Registration

BOOST project has published an insightful article about TRUSTFOOD and its contributions to revolutionizing the agri-food supply chain through digital transformation. This recognition by BOOST underscores the shared vision of both projects in fostering innovation, sustainability, and digital skills in the agricultural sector.

About BOOST

The BOOST project focuses on advancing agribusiness acceleration and enhancing digital hub networking. Through its sophisticated training program, BOOST equips agripreneurs with the tools and knowledge to implement Precision Agriculture (PA) methodologies. The program covers key areas such as management, agripreneurship, marketing, networking, and digital transformation, all delivered through an innovative educational and networking platform.

TRUSTFOOD’s Impact

In the article, BOOST highlights how TRUSTFOOD is driving the digital transformation of the Food Supply Chain by providing specialized training in Blockchain technology. TRUSTFOOD’s courses are designed to upskill and reskill professionals, empowering them to implement Blockchain solutions that enhance transparency, traceability, and sustainability in food production and distribution.

The article also explores how TRUSTFOOD complements BOOST’s mission by offering practical digital tools and methodologies that align with the principles of Precision Agriculture and sustainable practices. Together, these projects are contributing to a more efficient and resilient agri-food ecosystem.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The collaboration between BOOST and TRUSTFOOD represents a powerful synergy in the drive to modernize agriculture and the food industry. By combining efforts, both projects aim to create a skilled workforce equipped to meet the challenges of digital transformation and sustainability in the sector.

Read More

We invite you to read the full article on BOOST’s platform to learn more about TRUSTFOOD’s role in shaping the future of the agri-food supply chain.

Stay connected for further updates on how TRUSTFOOD and BOOST are working together to advance innovation in agriculture!

The TRUSTFOOD project is pleased to share that our partner, Greenpoint, recently visited the Economic School Murska Sobota, Higher Vocational College, to introduce students to the innovative training courses developed under the project. This visit marks a significant step in engaging the next generation of professionals in the practical applications of Blockchain technology within the Food Supply Chain.

About the Visit

Greenpoint’s team engaged with students from the Higher Vocational Study Program in Computer Science and Informatics, providing them with an overview of the TRUSTFOOD project and its mission to advance digital skills in the agri-food sector. The visit focused on demonstrating how Blockchain technology is transforming food traceability, safety, and sustainability, and how the TRUSTFOOD training courses equip participants with the skills to drive these advancements.

Promoting Digital Skills for the Future

The students showed great interest in how Blockchain can be applied to real-world challenges in the Food Supply Chain, from improving transparency to ensuring product authenticity. Greenpoint emphasized the relevance of these skills in a variety of industries, encouraging students to explore the TRUSTFOOD courses as a means to enhance their professional profiles and prepare for careers in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Building Bridges Between Education and Industry

This collaboration with the Economic School Murska Sobota underscores TRUSTFOOD’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry. By reaching out to students in fields like Computer Science and Informatics, TRUSTFOOD is fostering a new generation of professionals who are not only tech-savvy but also equipped to tackle the unique challenges of the agri-food sector.

Looking Ahead

We extend our gratitude to Greenpoint and the Economic School Murska Sobota for making this visit a success. Together, we are paving the way for a future where digital tools and skills drive innovation and sustainability in the Food Supply Chain.