The agri-food sector is one of those that is most actively promoting its digitalisation processes. The problem that many farms face is that their owners do not have the necessary knowledge or are unaware of the advantages that it can provide. In this regard, Teldat is creating and will install the Agri-Food Network Platform (PAN Project) of the Territorial Networks of Technological Specialisation (Retech) programme. This project, backed by a total investment of 10 million euros, of which 8 million have been allocated to Teldat by the Government of Castilla-La Mancha, has as its main objective to accelerate the digital transformation of the agri-food sector.
The agri-food sector is a fundamental pillar of the Spanish economy, with more than 900,000 agricultural holdings and more than 31,000 food companies. This sector is crucial for the creation of wealth and employment, with more than 2.6 million jobs, according to employment data compiled by Eurostat. Spain is the fourth country in the European Union, by number of employed people, ahead of, for example, France or Germany.
Despite the importance of this sector, the situation for the actors involved in it is not ideal, as farmers and ranchers often lack complete information about the market and face difficulties in negotiating with large consumers such as supermarkets and the complex food industry. Teldat has been able to identify the needs of the agricultural sector and has created this initiative, which will be applied in Castilla-La Mancha first and then extended to other Spanish regions, which represents a historic step for the sector in Spain.
Digital transformation of the agri-food sector
The PAN project seeks to modernize and optimize the agricultural supply chain by using blockchain and cloud platforms to significantly improve the efficiency, traceability and transparency of the sector, a fundamental pillar of the national economy. Specifically, this platform has 3 objectives: on the one hand, to provide updated information through an AI mechanism on how prices are at a macroeconomic level. Secondly, the purchase and sale of all goods, also guaranteed with digital contracts using blockchain technology. Finally, to collect all information related to transport and traceability (where the production comes from, specific weight, etc.).
To make this possible, the project promotes the automation of logistics processes, significantly reducing human errors and operating costs, through an easily accessible platform for anyone involved in the sector. In addition, the use of sensors, drones and GPS systems will allow for precise and efficient management of agricultural resources. Thanks to the collection of data in real time, users of the tool will be able to make better decisions about crop management, improving productivity and reducing waste.
This platform represents a unique opportunity to position Spain as a leader in the modernization of the agricultural sector. This solution, in addition to modernizing agriculture, optimizes logistics processes and reduces operating costs, providing a solid foundation for the future of the sector.
The benefits of implementing this platform will include: increased consumer confidence through full traceability and transparency; reduced costs due to automation and optimization of processes, and reduced human errors, if any; and food safety through the ability to trace products throughout the entire supply chain, which will help ensure food safety and prevent fraud.
Technological infrastructure and blockchain
To create this digital ecosystem, the Spanish company will adopt blockchain technology, which guarantees traceability and transparency throughout the agricultural supply chain. By using the VeChain and Ripple blockchain networks, it will ensure that each stage of the process, from sowing to final distribution, is recorded and verified in a secure and immutable manner. This technology also facilitates the secure signing of digital contracts, eliminating the risk of fraud and ensuring that all parties involved fulfill their commitments.
All of this is supported by a cloud infrastructure, specifically a multicloud platform that automatically scales according to demand, and that will use AI, Big Data Analytics and Augmented Reality tools. This platform not only improves operational efficiency, but also offers international access in multiple languages, allowing the participation of farmers and companies from different countries.
To launch this project, which will be available in 2026, the company will establish an operations center in Cuenca, taking advantage of its strategic position as an agricultural producer. In addition, in collaboration with the University of Castilla-La Mancha, a Research and Development Center of Excellence specialized in DLT/Blockchain technologies applied to the agricultural sector will be created. This center will promote innovation and ensure that the project remains at the forefront of agricultural technology.
