Revolutionizing Agriculture with Blockchain and Web3 Technologies
In a recent episode of the Cryptonews Podcast, host Matt Zahab sat down with Jon Trask, the CEO of Dimitra, a blockchain-based platform focused on agriculture technology. During the interview, Trask discussed how blockchain and Web3 technologies are revolutionizing agriculture not only in Africa but across the globe.
Trask highlighted Dimitra’s use of AI, machine learning, IoT, and data-driven insights to combat deforestation. The platform’s NFT Avocado initiative was also discussed as a way to provide farmers with access to the necessary funds for their farms to flourish.
When asked about the future of blockchain tech in farming and agriculture, Trask emphasized the importance of traceability and using blockchain to improve farmers’ lives.
From Farming to Big Tech
Trask shared that he grew up on his grandfather’s farm before transitioning into the tech and supply chain business. He worked for multinational corporations in the food industry before building a blockchain-based identity system for businesses and farmers in Africa.
During a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Trask witnessed the disparity between agriculture in Africa and more developed countries like Canada. This experience inspired him to find ways to address the lack of availability, price, and technological accessibility for farmers in Africa.
Dimitra Is Designed To Help Smallholder Farms
Trask explained that smallholder farmers make up nearly 10% of the world’s population but are often underserved when it comes to technology. These farmers primarily focus on feeding their families and selling food within their communities.
Dimitra works with cooperatives and governments in various countries, such as Kenya, to help farmers meet necessary conditions for exporting their products. This includes traceability, regulatory standards, and monitoring deforestation.
Trask expressed his satisfaction in being able to serve these communities and work with people around the world to improve their lives through blockchain technology.
Bringing Easy Access Through Mobile Apps
Dimitra has developed several mobile applications to provide easy access to farmers, particularly in developing countries where smartphones are more prevalent than laptops or PCs. These apps focus on different aspects of farming, such as livestock, genetics, coffee, and cacao.
The apps help farmers identify areas for improvement in their production processes and provide valuable insights into soil quality, crop production, and weather patterns. Trask shared an example of how satellite analysis can be used to enrich soil with the correct supplements and significantly increase crop output.
About Jon Trask
Jon Trask is the CEO and Founder of Dimitra, with a background in building enterprise software solutions for supply chain processes. He has been working with blockchain since 2017 and is recognized as an expert in the field.
Trask’s mission is to increase farming connectivity worldwide, particularly among disenfranchised farmers. He aims to leverage innovative technologies to bridge the gap between farming and tech.
In recognition of his work, Trask received the 2023 Government Blockchain Association Annual Achievement Award in the “Social Impact” category.
To learn more about how Dimitra uses blockchain technology to fight against deforestation and how NFTs can help raise funding for farms, listen to the full Cryptonews Podcast episode with Jon Trask here.
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