“The Australian agriculture sector is leading the globe in sustainability transparency,” Pyx Global CEO Zachary Zeus delivered a clear, powerful message At the SparkLabs Cultiv8 AgTech pitch showcase

In conversation with SparkLabs’ JJ Quigley, Zach explained that the UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP) is a practical tool that helps farmers and suppliers build trust across the global food supply chain. By enabling clean, efficient, and transparent data sharing – including through adoption of the UNTP - Australia is setting the standard for digital trust.

Building Trust with the UN Transparency Protocol

Confirming that the UNTP has nothing to do with blockchain, Zach explained that it’s about creating a universal protocol for data exchange.

“The analogy I like to use is telephones,” Zach said. “I might be on Telstra; JJ might be on Optus. We can still call each other because there's a protocol that exists between the different carriers. We can call internationally because there's a protocol between Australia and global players, and that idea of a protocol means that we can exchange information seamlessly without all being on the same system.

“That's what the UN transparency protocol is all about. It's about building that protocol for the exchange of data between buyers and suppliers in a consistent and simplified way.”

In this ecosystem, digital product passports serve as the carrier of vital information. They allow suppliers to share sustainability credentials, product provenance, ingredients, supply chain details, consignment information, and more. This level of transparency not only builds trust between buyers and suppliers but also supports compliance with stringent sustainability and due diligence requirements.

Australia’s Transparency Edge

Australia’s agriculture sector is leading in several key ways.

1. Clean, Green Advantage

“Not only are we strong environmentally -- people can complain about various things, but we're probably top five or six in the world in terms of environmental credentialing -- but also our social credentialing and our governance credentialing are very strong,” said Zach. “So, we have a natural comparative advantage as the globe is looking for higher quality information about the products that they're consuming.”

2. DAFF Traceability Uplift Program

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Traceability uplift initiative, along with its associated grants, have paved the way for eight pioneering projects across diverse sectors including beef, horticulture, wine, and grains. These initiatives leverage the UNTP’s framework as they work to ensure that high-quality, verified information can be seamlessly communicated along the supply chain.

3. The Australian Agriculture Traceability Protocol (AATP)

The AATP is an exciting, uniquely Australian extension of the UNTP. It adapts UNTP principles to meet the specific needs of the local agriculture sector.

As detailed in The AATP Explainer, it enhances traceability and reliability by standardising data at every step of the supply chain—amplifying Australia’s leadership in global transparency initiatives.

Paving the Way for Future Growth

Looking ahead, Pyx Global is focused on solidifying Australia’s lead as the premier implementer of the UNTP. By integrating digital product passports into everyday business practices, the goal is to empower growers, producers and suppliers to capture the true value of their high-quality work.

The short-term benefits are streamlined compliance and enhanced market access. The long-term vision points to a future where even consumers can trace the journey of their products.

If you’d like to watch Zach’s interview head to the SparkLab’s Cultiv8 site: https://www.sparklabscultiv8.com/alumni/pyxglobal