Thursday, 30 October 2025
Ulster University Launches €5.9M TRACE Project to Modernise the Agri-Food Supply Chain Ulster University has officially launched TRACE (Technological Revolution towards an Agri-Food Circular Economy), a €5.9 million (£5.2 million) cross-border research project designed to modernise the Products of Animal Origin (POAO) supply chain across Northern Ireland and Ireland. TRACE is funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme […]
Ulster University has officially launched TRACE (Technological Revolution towards an Agri-Food Circular Economy), a €5.9 million (£5.2 million) cross-border research project designed to modernise the Products of Animal Origin (POAO) supply chain across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
TRACE is funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) that supports peacebuilding and economic development across the region.
Led by Ulster University in collaboration with several partner organisations, the TRACE project will apply advanced digital technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, blockchain, computer vision, and multimodal imaging, to transform supply chain processes.
The initiative aims to reduce waste, improve product quality and traceability, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 99% of businesses across the island of Ireland.
Launched in Derry/Londonderry, TRACE represents a major step toward modernising one of Ireland’s most significant sectors, the agri-food industry.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA highlighted the project’s importance to the local economy, stating:
“I recognise the importance of the Food & Drink sector to our local economy, driving growth, employment, exports, and innovation. […] TRACE brings together a diverse partnership across this island. Working together, TRACE will drive modernisation of the Product of Animal Origin supply chain. Through the adoption of advanced technologies, it will help to deliver sustainable growth and build economic resilience, both within this vital sector, and across the wider agri-food landscape.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD added that the initiative reflects Ireland’s shared commitment to cross-border collaboration and innovation:
“By harnessing advanced digital technologies, this project will help improve traceability, reduce waste, and enhance the quality of products of animal origin — all while supporting the SMEs that are the backbone of our rural economy.”
Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, explained that projects like TRACE align with PEACEPLUS’s vision for sustainable economic development in post-conflict regions:
“The PEACEPLUS Programme recognises that economic development is essential for sustaining peace in post-conflict regions. By investing in collaborative innovation, the TRACE project supports productivity and competitiveness and it lays the foundation for long-term prosperity, inclusion, and resilience.”
TRACE will also establish a cross-border Innovation Hub, helping SMEs to adopt and scale digital tools that enhance efficiency and transparency in their operations.
The project is being delivered in partnership with:
University College Dublin
Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association
Donegal 2040 Strategic Development DAC
University of Galway
Bioconnect Innovation Centre
Within Ulster University, the research involves multiple schools, including the Ulster University Business School, the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, and the School of Biomedical Sciences.
Professor Joan Condell, Professor of Intelligent Technologies at Ulster University, will lead the development of cutting-edge digital systems to ensure transparency and trust in cross-border trade.
Dr Philip Allsopp from the Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE) will head efforts to reduce spoilage and protect nutrient integrity through advanced supply chain monitoring and optimisation.
Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research, emphasised Ulster University’s commitment to impactful research:
“TRACE reflects Ulster University’s commitment to research that delivers real-world impact. By combining digital innovation with cross-border collaboration, this project will empower SMEs to modernize their operations, reduce waste, and build a more sustainable agri-food sector across the island of Ireland.”
Principal Investigator David Hanna stated that TRACE’s focus is on delivering tangible outcomes for businesses:
“We will apply practical digital tools, such as sensors, data analytics, and secure traceability, to modernise the agri-food and seafood supply chain. Our goal is to strengthen resilience, raise efficiency, and improve transparency for SMEs and larger operators alike. By doing so, we will generate the tools and provide the support businesses need to cut waste, respond faster to disruption, and deliver higher quality, more sustainable products for consumers.”
By enhancing traceability and promoting digital transformation, TRACE will position Northern Ireland and Ireland at the forefront of a modern, sustainable agri-food circular economy.
Project name: TRACE (Technological Revolution towards an Agri-Food Circular Economy)
Funding: €5.9m (£5.2m) via PEACEPLUS / SEUPB
Lead organisation: Ulster University
Partners: UCD, NIFDA, Donegal 2040, University of Galway, Bioconnect
Technologies used: IoT, blockchain, computer vision, multimodal imaging
Focus: Reduce waste, improve traceability, modernise POAO supply chain
Launch location: Derry/Londonderry
Target beneficiaries: SMEs across Northern Ireland and Ireland
TRACE marks a significant milestone for innovation and collaboration across the island of Ireland. By uniting research expertise, advanced technology, and cross-border cooperation, Ulster University’s TRACE project is set to strengthen the agri-food sector, support economic resilience, and drive sustainable growth well into the future.
The launch of TRACE represents a major leap forward for Ireland’s agri-food sector, combining digital innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration to create a more resilient and transparent supply chain. By leveraging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and data analytics, Ulster University and its partners are equipping SMEs with the tools to reduce waste, enhance quality, and strengthen economic growth. Supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, TRACE is more than a research project, it is a model for how collaboration and technology can work together to drive lasting progress across Northern Ireland and Ireland’s shared agri-food economy.
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