Fingerprint tech to support Australian food verification

Four Australian research agencies have joined forces to develop an isotopic data platform that will support the verification of Australian agricultural and food product claims and environmental credentials.

Isotopes are unique chemical signatures or ‘fingerprints’ that can be used to identify where food came from and how it was grown. Isotopic data can be used as evidence to verify a product’s credentials or provenance for better market access, including addressing demands for low-emission or deforestation-free commodities in Europe.

The collaboration brings together CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the National Measurement Institute (NMI) to connect data into a single national collection. The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) has also invested in the collaboration.

Speaking at the International Conference on Food Analysis, CSIRO’s supply chains expert Dr Nina Welti said there’s a wealth of valuable public isotopic data held within each organisation that needs to be brought together to tackle Australia’s export challenges.

According to Welti, isotopes go beyond food production, also providing information on environmental factors such as soil nutrients and groundwater flows.

“Connecting these rich databases in a way that’s trusted and shareable is key to supporting research for the public good, as well as commercial outcomes for Australia’s agriculture, food and water systems.

“It’s also about ensuring the long-term utility of data so that it can be used to build further trust in supply chains well into the future,” Welti said.

Enabling equitable access to verification tools across industry is another key driver.

The collaboration, led by CSIRO through its Trusted Agrifood Exports Mission, is connecting datasets and insights across the supply chain to improve and grow Australia’s access to overseas markets.

Agricultural and food export trade is of critical importance and makes about $80 billion for the Australian economy per year. Verification tools can help maintain key export markets and enter high-value markets.

CSIRO, for example, undertakes greenhouse gas assessments for Australian canola to verify that the product meets European Union standards and is eligible for use in biofuels.

According to NMI Analytical Services Manager Tim Stobaus the market demand and trade requirements for sustainable agricultural practices is increasing. By leveraging a stable isotope data platform, innovation and insights can be supported to differentiate Australian products based on sustainable practices at the farm gate.

“This data can assist in the evaluation of trade-offs and decisions in terms of yield, quality and management practices so that Australian agricultural commodities can reach previously unrealised premium markets and diversify their offerings to meet changing demands,” Stobaus said.

Use cases from industry, peak bodies, universities and other research organisations will help to inform the national digital platform’s development, ensuring it is developed in a way that’s relevant, accessible and serves the needs of different sectors.

Image caption: Dr Nina Welti is building a picture of where and how Australian food is grown.