Key facts
- Latvia joined the UK's Grain Verification Scheme to combat stolen Ukrainian grain.
- The scheme uses chemical 'fingerprints' derived from stable isotope ratio and trace element analysis.
- Machine learning compares grain samples against a database of nearly 3,400 geolocated points.
- The scheme aims to prevent grain stolen from Russian-occupied territories from entering international markets.
- Lithuania has also been using the scheme since January 2025.
Latvia has become the latest country to join the UK's Grain Verification Scheme, an initiative designed to combat the theft of Ukrainian grain. The scheme employs advanced scientific methods, including stable isotope ratio analysis and trace element analysis, combined with machine learning, to create a unique chemical 'fingerprint' for grain samples. This fingerprint is then compared against an extensive database of geolocated points across Ukraine and neighboring countries to ascertain the grain's origin. The expansion of the scheme, which also includes Lithuania, aims to prevent grain stolen from Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine from being sold on the international market. The initiative is part of broader international cooperation to support Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing invasion and disruptions to its Black Sea exports.