Eliminating illegitimate timber and plant derived products from global supply chains

The University of Adelaide has partnered with InterpreData, Double Helix Tracking Technologies, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC ANZ) and Aglive to secure a $500,000 grant to produce a secure, data-led traceability system for agricultural commodities and timber products.

The illegal harvest and trade of timber and plant products poses a substantial threat to both global ecosystems and economic stability. The United Nations and Interpol estimate that the timber industry suffers $206 billion in losses globally due to illicit activities. Similarly, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) estimates that food fraud costs the Australian agriculture industry approximately $2-3 billion annually. Both industries have seen the proliferation of cheap fraudulent products in lieu of high-quality materials and the trade of restricted species, facilitated by incidental or deliberate mislabelling regarding species identity and geographic origins.

The geographic origin of timber and food products has historically been difficult to trace, with chain-of-custody documents susceptible to tampering. In addressing this, research being conducted here at the University of Adelaide aims to develop a streamlined traceability system to reduce illicit activity along supply chains and safeguard Australian markets against fraudulent imports.

The project, run by the Environment Institute Interim Director, Prof Andrew Lowe, and School of Biological Sciences researcher, Dr Arif Malik, adopts a multidisciplinary strategy incorporating machine learning, elemental profiling, and genetic testing to accurately identify the species/variety and trace the geographic origin of timber or plant based agricultural commodities. A significant component of this project will be to expand the genetic reference database for commercially important products, to assist users in verifying species of origin claims using DNA based methods. Trace elemental profiling will also be utilised, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for geographic origin verification. The data derived from these processes will be integrated into existing “blockchain traceability platforms”, taking advantage of blockchain’s decentralised nature to enhance security and reduce susceptibility to tampering.

The implementation of this cost-effective digital traceability system is poised to significantly reduce administrative and compliance burdens. Beyond this operational efficiency, the system aligns with Australian and international frameworks, namely the DAFF National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023, to ensure a legal and ethically sourced supply of timber and plant-based products.

By identifying instances of fraudulent practices, the initiative assists in upholding Australia’s reputation for producing high-quality food, fostering support for Australian growers by promoting the consumption of locally sourced produce. Improved traceability will also reinforce Australia’s commitment to sourcing sustainably sourced timber, assisting importers in conducting due diligence.

This service will be commercially available through the University of Adelaide and represents a step toward a more transparent, secure, and sustainable supply chain.

Author: Brittany Hogben, Laboratory Technician, Advanced DNA Identification and Forensic Facility (ADIFF)