Welcome to the Agri-food 4.0 module. In this course, we delve into the remarkable advances that technology has brought to the agricultural and food industries. Throughout this module, we will explore integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into agri-food supply chains, revolutionizing how we produce, process, and distribute food. By leveraging Industry 4.0 concepts, we aim to optimize efficiency, improve sustainability, and enhance overall productivity in the agri-food sector.

Our course lineup covers a wide range of topics, allowing you to gain insights into the various aspects of Agri-food 4.0:

• Introduction to Industry 4.0 in Agri-food Supply Chains: Gain a comprehensive overview of the Industry 4.0 paradigm and understand its relevance and potential applications within the agri-food domain.
• Identifying Barriers and Success Factors: Explore the challenges and opportunities that arise with the adoption of digital technologies in agri-food supply chains. Identify key success factors and learn strategies to overcome potential barriers.
• Emerging Digital Technologies in Food Supply Chains: Discover the latest digital technologies that are transforming the agri-food industry. Explore case studies highlighting key technologies and their associated benefits.
• Blockchain-based Food Supply Chains: Investigate the significance of blockchain technology in ensuring transparency, traceability, and trust in food supply chains. Learn how blockchain can revolutionize the way we track and verify the origin and quality of food products.
• Importance of People-Process-Technology (Who and What?): Understand the crucial role played by people, processes, and technology in driving successful digital transformations in agri-food supply chains. Analyze case studies and apply the People-Process-Technology (PPT) framework to gain practical insights.
• Digital Transformation: Examine transformation frameworks and discuss their relevance in the context of agri-food 4.0. Dive into the process of requirements determination and learn how to prioritize technology implementation to maximize impact.
• Requirements Determination.

By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by Agri-food 4.0. You will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to embrace digital transformation and leverage emerging technologies to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the agri-food sector.

Overview: This module equips you with the knowledge and tools to design and implement sustainable food systems that address the complex challenges of feeding a growing population while minimizing environmental impact. You will explore emerging trends, innovative technologies, and systems-thinking approaches to create resilient and equitable food systems.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze current food systems to identify inefficiencies, environmental impacts, and social inequities.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnectedness of food production, distribution, and consumption.
• Evaluate emerging trends and technologies in sustainable food production, such as vertical farming, regenerative agriculture, and alternative proteins.
• Develop skills in food systems mapping and analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Design a sustainable food system for a specific context, incorporating social, economic, and environmental considerations.
• Understand key trends and technologies in industry 4.0 in agri-food systems
• Be able to identify barriers and success factors for industry 4.0 in agri-food systems
• Understand and can analyse the potential of emerging digital technologies in food supply chains.
• Be able to analyse a companies process of digital transformation and align it to readiness levels.
• Be able to perform requirements engineering tactics.
• Be able to rollout feasibility studies
• Be able to identify how industry 4.0 technology will impact sustainability in the agri-food system.
• Understand a systems approach and apply basic food system mapping.

The student can decide one of two options a) company project with real life company, or b) internship related to industry 4.0 in agri-food systems. The student will understand how to enable digital transformation while operating within a company and throughout the entire supply chain. The student is able to apply the theory towards a applied research project, at their internship companies, company project, or a research provided by a professorship.

Competencies:

• To present (level 3) b
• To research (level 3)
• To innovate (level 3)
• Management of organizations, processes and project and people
• Optimizing logistics and managing the quality in agri-food chains

Pre-requisites
Completed three years of a business or engineering or related bachelor degree program.

• Naam: Food industry 4.0: unlocking advancement opportunities in the food manufacturing sector. Uitgever: CABI

Semester 1 Rooster: Mondays in de weken 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 2. Locatie: Dronten

• Code: AAVC10 Naam: Company Project or Internship Studiepunten: 5 Type examen: Assessment Periode: T4
• Code: AAVC20 Naam: Applied Research Project Studiepunten: 5 Type examen: Assignment Periode: T4
• Code: AAVC30 Naam: Sustainable and digital agri-food value chains Studiepunten: 5 Type examen: Written exam Periode: T4

• This course will be offered in a blended format. Classes will be organised every week, online and in the classroom. Coaching will be offered weekly.
• Professional Roles this minor prepares students for include:
• Agri-food Digital Transformation Consultant
• Agri-food Supply Chain Manager
• Sustainable Agriculture Technologist
• Agri-food Process Control Engineer
• Agri-Food Requirements Engineer
• Agri-Food Supply Chain System Consultant
• The student performs research on digitalization in agri-food business.
• Options for AAVC20 Applied Research Project:
• Option 1: Pick your own topic.
• Option 2: Identify, collect and analyse farmer-centric multi-actor advisory practices and methods implemented by Operational Groups to facilitate the adoption of Smart Plant Production through multi-actor advisory (desk research part and the best practice analysis based on real-life situations) OR Develop accessible tools and materials for Smart Plant Production facilitation to streamline knowledge exchange (requirements engineering for technological projects and analyse the requirements (low-level features) of the tools and materials for a smart production facility).