Blockchain & Cryptocurrency for Dairy Sector SMEs

This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme helps small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas, particularly in dairy farming and processing, learn how to use cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in practical ways.  Through easy-to-follow workshops and expert guidance, participants will discover how digital money can make payments quicker and cheaper, improve and decentralise supply chains, and create new ways to connect with customers and stakeholders.  No previous experience with cryptocurrency is needed – just a willingness to explore new tools that could support business growth and resilience. 

The Blockchain & Cryptocurrency for Dairy Sector SMEs initiative is a pioneering programme designed to bridge the digital divide and bring blockchain-based financial tools directly to Scotland’s rural business communities. 

Delivered by our university's academic experts in collaboration with industry innovators, this programme equips SMEs across the dairy sector and supply chain with the knowledge and practical skills to confidently explore cryptocurrency and blockchain applications in business. 

Why This Skills Programme Matters 

Rural SMEs, especially in dairy farming and processing – who are dealing with regulatory reporting requirements – often face barriers to mainstream banking services and digital transactions.  This programme directly addresses these challenges by: 

• Introducing a secure and user-friendly cryptocurrency platform (SCOTCOIN) tailored for use across the dairy sector and supply chain 

• Reducing reliance on costly intermediaries and lowering transaction fees 

• Enhancing transparency and traceability across the supply chain 

• Opening up new revenue opportunities through branded digital assets and loyalty tokens 

What You’ll Learn 

Participants will benefit from a structured learning experience that includes: 

• Foundations of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology 

• Real-world business integration strategies 

• Interactive, hands-on workshops tailored for farming businesses and rural enterprises 

• Tools for building financial literacy and confidence in digital systems 

You will also explore how innovations like tokenised loyalty schemes and digital collectibles can drive customer engagement and support community-supported agriculture (CSA) models.  

Impact and Outcomes 

This initiative is more than training – it’s a transformative opportunity to: 

• Build resilience in the dairy economy through access to digital financial tools 

• Enhance supply chain efficiency and ethical sourcing 

• Strengthen community ties with innovative loyalty and CSA models 

• Promote sustainable growth and economic inclusion 

Participants will leave with actionable knowledge, a clear understanding of cryptocurrency in a business context, and pathways to apply it in their own enterprise. 

Funding 

This CPD opportunity is fully funded by UK Research & Innovation as part of its Strength in Places programme via the Digital Dairy Chain.  Led by SRUC, the Digital Dairy Chain is set to transform the dairy sector and uplift the rural economy, via grant funding and sustainable solutions.  Project partners – including University of the West of Scotland – are focused on aligning industry needs which will include developing digital connectivity, stimulating research and new product development, supporting business growth and attracting talent and skills.  The project will have national impact but is focused on the regions of Cumbria and the South & West of Scotland. 

Who Should Register? 

This programme is ideal for rural SMEs within dairy farming and processing, across the whole supply chain, who operate within the Digital Dairy Chain geography (refer to eligible areas below) and is aimed at individuals in the following roles: 

• Owners and operators  

• Supply chain and procurement managers  

• Innovation leads or those exploring digital transformation for their business 

• Anyone keen to understand digital currencies