Digitisation and blockchain adoption in Bulgarian animal farms

Abstract

The agricultural sector’s digital transformation presents opportunities for enhancing supply chain efficiency through blockchain technology adoption. This study investigates the relationship between current digitisation levels and blockchain adoption readiness in Bulgarian animal farms, while assessing farmers’ perceptions of blockchain benefits. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires from eighty farms across poultry, pig, and beef sectors, using stratified random sampling. A composite digitisation index measured technological adoption levels, while regression analysis evaluated relationships between farm characteristics and blockchain readiness. Results revealed a moderate positive correlation between digitisation level and blockchain adoption readiness. Farmers identified traceability as the most valuable blockchain benefit, followed by transparency, while showing limited interest in cryptocurrency applications. Farm characteristics, including size and type, showed no statistically significant influence on blockchain adoption readiness, contrary to initial expectations. These findings indicate that blockchain adoption in Bulgarian animal farming depends on factors beyond digital maturity and traditional farm characteristics. The results support the development of targeted educational programs and demonstration initiatives to facilitate technological transition in Bulgarian animal farming, particularly focusing on traceability and transparency benefits.