NAB Foundation backs development of nature positive labelling program

Accounting for Nature has received a NAB Foundation grant worth $250,000 to support the development of a new nature positive commodity and asset labelling program.

The program aims to give producers a trusted, science‑based way to demonstrate environmental stewardship and support market access for food, fibre and other commodities. It will be built on the Accounting for Nature® Framework, which is already used to measure and certify environmental condition across more than 9.58 million hectares in Australia.

Accounting for Nature CEO Dr Adrian Ward said demand is growing globally for proof that commodities such as red meat and metals are produced in ways that repair nature.

“What sets Accounting for Nature apart is our independence and scientifically rigorous Framework,” Dr Ward said.

“Producers are looking for trusted and cost‑effective ways to demonstrate the value of their environmental management. The support from NAB Foundation enables us to accelerate tools that bring greater transparency and credibility to nature markets.”

Building a credible, science‑first approach

The new labelling program will give producers, businesses and investors a clear, evidence‑based way to make nature positive claims. It will include:

• A science‑first certification approach focused on measurable environmental outcomes
• Pilot testing with leading producers to ensure practicality on-farm
• Independent oversight from Accounting for Nature’s science and integrity committees
• Public consultation with Australian and international experts on the Nature Positive Labelling Rules
• End‑to‑end label tracking through Trovio’s CortenX technology

Rowan Munchenberg, Business Lending Executive, NAB, said NAB Foundation’s support of the project recognised the importance of helping the Australian agribusiness sector prepare for consumer and investor expectations in the global market.

“We know markets are increasingly demanding transparency on environmental outcomes, including in relation to native vegetation and a contribution to nature positive. Producers who can demonstrate this credibly will be better placed to maintain market access and competitiveness.

“By supporting Accounting for Nature’s work, we are helping Australian producers prepare for this future and stay ahead of the fast-changing shift in the commodities market,” he said.

The NAB Foundation grant will fund a 12‑month development and pilot phase. Accounting for Nature expects the program to form part of a longer, multi‑year pathway to bring the certification system to market at scale in Australia and internationally.

Read more on the pilot here.