Applying Blockchain-Based Smart Contracts to Eliminate Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain

In this paper we critically evaluate the applicability of
blockchain-based smart contracts to reduce unfair trading practices (UTPs) in
the food supply chain. Face-to-face interviews and a quantitative survey were
used to collect and analyse the opinions of 20 experts in blockchain and food
supply management. The results show that contractual parties with asymmetric
bargaining power along the food supply chain can implement blockchain-based
smart contracts to reduce the negative impacts of UTPs. The creation of
templates for such types of contracts and promotion by regulative authorities
could help their dissemination. This is the first study to explore the
applicability of blockchain-based smart contracts in the food supply chain
and its impact on UTPs. We especially focus on the needs of small and
medium-sized food producers and farmers who experience negative impacts on
their businesses due to existing power asymmetries.