Ripple launched a blockchain pilot in Colombia to support small-scale panela farmers financially.

The project uses the XRP Ledger for traceability, aiming to improve income, access, and buyer connections.

XRP rose 50% since April lows to $2.39; resistance lies near $2.80 with bullish signals forming.

Ripple is expanding its blockchain use with a new pilot in Colombia, aiming to improve income and financial access for smallholder farmers. The project is a joint effort with Mercy Corps Ventures and WËIA, under Ripple Impact’s “Unlocking Opportunity” initiative. This is the second pilot of the year from Ripple aimed at practical blockchain use.

The program focuses on farmers growing panela, or unrefined cane sugar, and integrates WËIA’s traceability platform, which runs on the XRP Ledger. Around 300 farmers are involved in the project, processing 240 tonnes of panela each month. Nearly half of them are women—46%—far above Colombia’s national average of 26% in the agricultural sector.

Colombia’s farming industry has faced persistent financial problems. Over 86% of farmers have no formal credit history or transaction records. Without access to proper financial services, most earn just 70% of a living wage. In rural areas, 79% of the population has no credit access, which has kept many trapped in low-income cycles.

Ripple Drives Change in Agriculture

The project integrates blockchain with farming by recording each stage—from planting to harvest—on the XRP Ledger through WËIA’s platform. QR codes allow tracking of produce and verification of sustainability claims. These features make the records secure and unchangeable while offering speed and cost benefits through XRP’s infrastructure.

A standout feature is the “Farm Now, Pay Later” system. By using data collected from the platform, farmers can access inputs such as seeds and fertilizer without upfront payment. They settle their costs after harvest. This approach removes early-season financial pressure, giving smallholders a better chance at a successful yield.

Farmers also gain direct access to buyers and suppliers through the same blockchain platform. This removes unnecessary middlemen and helps stabilize pricing while building stronger supply chain relationships. Ripple sees the project as a way to demonstrate how blockchain tools can support both financial inclusion and sustainability.

The pilot will test whether XRPL traceability boosts product value, improves customer satisfaction, and leads to formal deals between farmers and corporate buyers. These goals tie into the larger aim of providing real financial access and traceability tools for farming communities that have long been shut out of traditional markets.

Mixed Sentiment Surrounds XRP Outlook

XRP, the cryptocurrency powering the ledger, has shown strong momentum in recent weeks, gaining over 50% since its April lows. After climbing close to $2.80, the price has pulled back slightly but remains above key support levels. This retracement is seen by many analysts as a healthy correction rather than a sign of weakness, especially given the scale of the recent gains.

As of now, XRP is trading at $2.39, up 1.82% over the past 24 hours. Market sentiment remains divided. Some analysts believe this is the start of a new bullish phase, driven by growing interest in altcoins and increased attention from institutional players. Others are more cautious, warning that if XRP fails to reclaim its recent highs, it could fall back into a bearish trend.

Technical signals are currently leaning bullish. Martinez noted that the TD Sequential indicator has printed multiple buy signals on the hourly chart, often a sign of trend continuation or a new upward move. If buyers push XRP past the $2.80 resistance level, the next target could be around $3.00, where a new wave of upside may follow.

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Filed under: Bitcoin - @ May 18, 2025 1:22 pm