The AgriLINK project, funded under the NGI TrustChain initiative under EU Grant Agreement No. 101093274 is set to enhance agricultural efficiency through innovative technology. Coordinated by the MIICT, and in collaboration with PROXIM.AI and Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori (CIA) Puglia, AgriLINK will run for nine months, starting in May 2025.

Addressing Key Agricultural Challenges

Modern agriculture faces significant hurdles, including the high cost of machinery and the underutilisation of specialised equipment. Farmers often grapple with fragmented systems and a lack of standardised data, leading to operational inefficiencies. AgriLINK tackles these issues by introducing a smart, interconnected approach to managing agricultural resources.

An Innovative NFC and Blockchain-Powered Solution

At its core, AgriLINK leverages Near Field Communications (NFC) technology and a secure, energy-efficient blockchain infrastructure (the Alastria network). The project will enable:

• Simplified Equipment Management: Agricultural machinery will be registered using NFC tags, creating unique digital representations (NFTs) on the blockchain. This allows for easy identification and tracking;
• Transparent Usage Monitoring: Operators can use their smartphones to interact with NFC-tagged equipment, seamlessly recording usage data, validating credentials, and managing access rights;
• Optimised Resource Sharing: By providing clear and verifiable usage data, AgriLINK facilitates equipment sharing and co-ownership models among farmers. This helps maximise machinery uptime and reduces the need for individual farmers to invest in rarely-used, but critical equipment that is expensive;
• Streamlined Operations: The system is designed to be interoperable, working across different equipment manufacturers and providing a standardised interface for data. Its event-driven nature, triggered by NFC interactions, ensures efficiency.

Objectives and Expected Impact

AgriLINK aims to:

• Develop and validate a user-friendly system for tracking and managing agricultural machinery;
• Promote more efficient use of resources within the agricultural sector, leading to operational cost savings;
• Demonstrate a practical and sustainable DLT solution that addresses real-world agricultural needs;
• Establish a comprehensive digital identity framework for machinery operators, enhancing traceability and accountability.

The project is expected to deliver significant benefits, including improved economic viability for farmers by enabling access to advanced machinery and optimising operational expenditures. Environmentally, promoting shared use of equipment can contribute to a reduction in the overall number of machines needed, while resulting in better utilisation rates. AgriLINK will also showcase a replicable model for leveraging blockchain technology in other sectors facing similar resource management challenges.

Collaboration and Real-World Validation

The project will be validated through pilot implementations in the Apulia region of Italy, utilising the extensive agricultural network of CIA PUGLIA. This hands-on approach will ensure the solution is practical, user-centric, and tailored to the real needs of the farming community. The combined expertise of MIICT in research and innovation, PROXIM.AI in technological development, and CIA PUGLIA in agricultural outreach will be the major success contributors in AgriLINK’s success.