MEDIA RELEASE 11/9/2021
A consortium of senior executives and representatives from the Australian government, industry, associations and agencies has announced a set of six agreed principles to promote a coordinated and harmonized approach to sustainable end-to-end supply chain traceability and retail modernization .
The document is called the National Traceability Accord (NTA) and stands for an open, non-competitive cooperation in the cross-sector traceability of supply chains. The adoption of a macroeconomic model and national “traceability culture” aims to increase trust and interoperability among nontraditional allies, with the effects of improved market access, product safety and strengthening the global competitiveness of Australian trade.
Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE) Assistant Secretary David Hazlehurst commented, “The National Traceability Accord is a welcome industry initiative aligned with the DAWE-led National Traceability Framework. We look forward to examining how it can complement existing government policies and priorities to strengthen supply chains and build resilience. "
The co-chair of the National GS1 Traceability Advisory Group and the Head of Business Solutions for Product Traceability of the Woolworths Group, Ram Akella, were instrumental in implementing the Accord principles.
“With many companies in all industries working to implement full product traceability, it is important to establish common principles for sharing and using data. The National Traceability Accord is a shared vision that creates a collaborative and transparent framework for modernizing trade and traceability. As a critical next step, the NTA will act as the common voice of industry and government to promote better ways of working and informed policy making on traceability. ”
Maria Palazzolo, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of GS1 Australia, said, “The agreement is about building industry-wide capabilities for the common good. When all parties come together to share insights and insights, they create cross-industry improvements that benefit everyone. "
A recent report from the World Economic Forum entitled "Visibility and Traceability The Twin Engines of Sustainable Supply Chains" shows the need for companies to work together:
“Supply chain executives should try to engage and collaborate beyond their own four walls. By identifying organizations within their industry – as well as across industries – that are grappling with the same problems and actively trying to solve them, executives can begin to solve challenges that could not have been overcome alone. Companies that are leaders in collaboration today will have an advantage. Those on the sidelines have to settle for what the industry ultimately takes over. But if you take the chance now, you will set standards, both within your industry and across industries. "
Ms. Palazzolo continues: “A difficult subject is transparency and the exchange of data. We need to ensure that companies exchange information with the correct level of data protection and the applicable agreements. Agreements so that we can take action quickly in the event of incidents, especially those that have an impact on safety, and to ensure that we carry out traceability in a targeted manner. "
The main actors in traceability are cold chain and logistics providers. Australian Food Cold Chain Council (AFCCC) Chairman Mark Mitchell said, “The key to achieving coordinated traceability is implementing all technologies as a system between competing stakeholders. We need to focus on, through initiatives by governments and umbrella organizations, and begin to bring people and stakeholders together. That is the primary goal, not the development of further technologies. "
The signatories of the Australian National Traceability Accord share the common goals of improving traceability for safe, responsible production and consumption, complying with regulations more effectively, increasing efficiency and supporting circular economy opportunities.
The Accord is supported by the National GS1 Traceability Advisory Group. The only forum in Australia where over 100 executives and government officials can openly discuss traceability from a macroeconomic perspective.
NTA support is open to all companies across Australia, with many associations, retailers and brands already represented as signatories. Visit gs1au.org/traceability/accord to view the National Traceability Accord and provide your assistance.
