The positive impact of RWA and NFTs on agriculture — Interview with Dimitra

Blockchain allows businesses to upgrade supply chains substantially, as the technology enables transparent data recording in real time. This improvement is especially relevant for the agricultural industry, where a wide range of data needs to be traced for both food safety and compliance with global regulations.

Dimitra is an agricultural technology (AgTech) company that integrates blockchain and other cutting-edge technologies to empower farmers, traders and operators to enhance supply chain management and abide by the rules of the jurisdictions they operate in.

In this interview, Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra, talks about the role of blockchain and AI in agriculture and how Dimitra integrates these technologies while introducing Dimitra’s RWA-NFT program.

Cointelegraph: What is the impact of innovative technologies like blockchain, AI and IoT on the agricultural industry on a global scale?

Jon Trask: At Dimitra, we are applying these technologies while reshaping agriculture by addressing key challenges such as inefficiencies, lack of technical assistance, environmental degradation and supply chain opacity.

Blockchain ensures transparency and traceability, giving consumers confidence in the origin and sustainability of their food.  

AI drives precision agriculture, optimizing resource use, forecasting yields and managing risks like pests and diseases. IoT connects devices on farms, enabling real-time monitoring of soil health, water use and crop conditions. Together, these technologies empower farmers, enhance productivity and support global efforts to combat climate change through smarter, more sustainable practices. 

CT: Could you introduce us to your RWA-NFT program? How do you plan to enhance sustainability and transparency in agriculture with this program? 

JT: Dimitra’s Real-World Asset NFT (RWA-NFT) program bridges agriculture and blockchain by tokenizing assets like crops, land and carbon credits. These NFTs provide immutable proof of ownership, traceability, and compliance with global standards like the European Union Deforestation Regulation, EUDR. By integrating this program with our platforms, we offer stakeholders a transparent view of agricultural processes, fostering trust in their supply chains.  

Farmers gain access to new funding avenues while promoting sustainability through AI-guided and blockchain-verified practices. It’s about aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship, creating win-win scenarios for all. We have active projects in Kenya and Brazil and are developing a new project in the Bahamas starting in the first quarter of 2025. 

CT: How do you plan to utilize the RWA-NFT program and the Connected Farmer platform to empower smallholder farmers? 

JT: The lack of access to financial services for investing in their land is one of the main barriers to the growth of smallholder farmers. The Dimitra RWA-NFT program, paired with our Connected Farmer platform, offers smallholder farmers access to financing, traceability and data-driven decision-making. Farmers can tokenize their assets—like crops or land—creating opportunities for microfinancing or sustainable investments.  

The Connected Farmer platform uses AI and IoT to deliver actionable insights, such as optimal planting schedules and disease alerts. Together, these tools enable farmers to increase yields, reduce costs and gain access to premium markets that demand certified, sustainable products. This empowerment fosters resilience and long-term growth in rural communities. 

CT: Could you elaborate on how blockchain ensures agricultural products meet global compliance standards like the EUDR and how this promotes accountability throughout supply chains? 

JT: Blockchain technology underpins compliance by creating transparent, tamper-proof records of every step in the agricultural supply chain. Regulations like the EUDR track critical data such as geolocation, adherence to local laws and deforestation-free requirements.  

These records allow farmers and traders to demonstrate confidence in compliance with regulators and buyers. By integrating blockchain into our platforms, Dimitra ensures accountability , reduces fraud and builds trust across global supply chains while empowering stakeholders to meet evolving environmental standards. 

This way, we aim to build a trust chain, potentially enabling small farmers who cannot afford certification to sell their products in more demanding markets. 

CT: How is Dimitra integrating AI, IoT and blockchain technologies to address environmental challenges in agriculture, reduce waste and support climate-smart farming practices? 

JT: Dimitra combines AI, IoT and blockchain to tackle environmental challenges holistically. AI analyzes big data to forecast yields, optimize irrigation and detect early signs of pests or diseases, minimizing resource use and crop loss. IoT sensors monitor real-time conditions like soil moisture and weather, guiding farmers to act efficiently.  

Blockchain records these actions, ensuring traceability and compliance with climate-smart practices. This integrated approach enables farmers to adopt regenerative methods, reduce emissions and align their operations with global sustainability goals. 

CT: Can you share insights from projects like the One Million Avocados and Amazon Cacao and how they illustrate Dimitra’s role in creating sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems worldwide? 

JT: The One Million Avocados project in Kenya showcases Dimitra’s commitment to sustainability by supporting farmers with tools to manage avocado production while generating carbon credits .  

In Brazil, the Amazon Cacao project integrates blockchain and AI to ensure higher production and bigger yields. Both projects empower smallholder farmers with data-driven insights, traceability and compliance support while fostering environmental protection and market inclusivity. These initiatives highlight Dimitra’s role in building resilient, sustainable agricultural systems that benefit farmers and ecosystems alike. 

One Million Avocados project yielded a 43% increase in avocado produce in Kenya. Source: One Million Avocados 

CT: How does Dimitra’s platform utilize satellite data, IoT devices and big data analytics to provide actionable insights for farmers, governments and agribusinesses? 

JT: Dimitra’s platform integrates satellite imagery, IoT sensors and big data analytics to deliver comprehensive agricultural insights. Satellite data reveals vegetation health, soil properties and land use patterns, while IoT devices monitor on-ground conditions like soil moisture and temperature.  

AI analyzes these data sets to provide actionable recommendations, whether they are optimal planting schedules, pest management, or yield predictions. These insights empower farmers to maximize productivity, governments to design data-driven policies and agribusinesses to meet sustainability and compliance standards effectively. 

CT: What is your vision for the future of agriculture with the integration of advanced technologies, and how does Dimitra plan to contribute to this global transformation? 

JT: The future of agriculture lies in leveraging advanced technologies to build resilient, transparent and sustainable systems. Dimitra envisions a world where smallholder farmers access the same cutting-edge tools as large agribusinesses.  

By integrating blockchain, AI, IoT and satellite data, we aim to democratize innovation, enabling every farmer to thrive while protecting the planet. Our mission is to empower farmers, enhance global food security, and drive sustainable practices across supply chains. Dimitra is committed to leading this transformation and ensuring agriculture meets the demands of a changing world.