Abstract

This chapter explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technology within the food supply chain. It investigates how these cutting-edge technologies enhance transparency, efficiency, and security across every stage from farm to table. AI empowers the food supply chain with advanced predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and automation, while blockchain delivers a secure, tamper-proof system for tracking and recording the movement and quality of food products. By improving traceability and accountability, these technologies address critical issues such as food safety, fraud prevention, and waste reduction. The chapter synthesizes evidence from recent empirical and review studies, demonstrating significant improvements in real-time monitoring, operational optimization, and stakeholder trust following the adoption of AI-blockchain solutions. However, it also critically explores persistent challenges namely, high implementation and infrastructure costs, data interoperability barriers, technical and organizational complexity, privacy protection, and the digital divide among smallholders and less technologically advanced actors. Issues of standardization, scalability, and integration with legacy systems further complicate adoption. The need for inclusive governance, robust skill-building initiatives, and privacy-preserving, interoperable platforms is emphasized as central to unlocking the full transformative potential of AI and blockchain. The chapter concludes by highlighting emerging trends, including the convergence of AI, IoT, and blockchain, as well as industry-specific applications and roadmaps for future research and policy, which collectively promise a more intelligent, resilient, and sustainable food supply chain ecosystem.