Greenwash under the microscope

A new tool to verify the provenance and sustainability claims of Australian food producers has rolled out.

Isotopes.au analyses isotopic "fingerprints" to trace where food commodities are grown and to measure their environmental impact, including water use and carbon emissions.

With Australia’s agriculture and food export industry currently valued at $80 billion, the tool – unveiled this week by the CSIRO – will help local industry demonstrate their compliance with environmental targets, trade regulations, and to meet consumer expectations, the national science organisation said.

This isotopic data was consolidated into a single open-access platform in collaboration with Geoscience Australia, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and the National Measurement Institute, with co-investment from the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC).

"Isotopes are unique chemical ‘fingerprints’ that imprint clues of a product’s origin, as well as the inputs that went into production, and environmental factors like soil nutrients and groundwater flows."

CSIRO lead scientist Dr Nina Welti pointed to the growing demand for transparency in food sourcing in creating the platform. “Customers increasingly want to know where and how their food was sourced so they can make ethical and more sustainable choices,” she said.

“Isotopes are unique chemical ‘fingerprints’ that imprint clues of a product’s origin, as well as the inputs that went into production, and environmental factors like soil nutrients and groundwater flows.

“This is just the beginning of capturing Australia’s wealth of isotopic data into one place – Isotopes.au – to help industries demonstrate how they’re meeting environmental targets for greater transparency with trading partners and consumers.”

While initially focused on land-based agriculture, Isotopes.au is set to expand into marine industries, according to its creators.

“Data is key to maintaining sustainable practices, reducing carbon emissions and responding to increasing competition for marine space,” Fisheries Research and Development Corporation General Manager for ICT and Digitalisation Kyaw Kyaw Soe Hlaing said.

Isotopes.au joins a suite of CSIRO-led innovations aimed at strengthening Australia’s agrifood exports, including digital ecosystems for food safety and tools to manage pest risks more effectively.