A DLT-Based Framework for Traceability and Certification in Sustainable Agri-Tourism: A Case Study in a Southern Italy Region

This paper presents a software engineering framework for designing and implementing Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)-based traceability systems in agri-food and agrotouristic ecosystems. The proposed approach integrates goaloriented requirements modeling (GOReM) with a permissioned blockchain infrastructure, specifically Hyperledger Fabric, to ensure transparent, verifiable, and sustainable supply chain processes. The methodology supports the conceptualization of stakeholder goals, business processes, and data flows through UML-driven modeling, enabling traceability from agricultural production to final consumption. A case study conducted in Calabria, a region in Southern Italy - developed in collaboration with the Regional Agency for Agricultural Development (ARSAC) - demonstrates the applicability of the framework across key sectors such as viticulture, olive oil production, and citrus farming. The resulting prototype enhances product certification, process transparency, and trust while aligning with the principles of Blockchain-Oriented Software Engineering (BOSE). Experimental evaluation confirms the system's scalability, low-latency performance, and suitability for real-world deployment, paving the way toward interoperable, model-driven DLT architectures for sustainable agri-food systems.