Implementation methology

The sampling protocol must ensure the representativeness of the samples ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the isotopic measurements. Specifically, it is necessary to record the conditions and the state of rice cultivation in the area under study. When collecting the data, it is necessary to describe the characteristics of the crop, the applied cultivation technique, the area, and the varietal structure, with prominent importance being given to those elements that help to define the soil and climate (context) within which the cultivation takes place. crop development.

Upon completion of the data collection, the sampling protocol will be created, with coded steps to correctly obtain representative samples, for the product and area under study. The next step concerns the performance of chemical analyzes using analytical devices (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry / IRMS), from which a series of stable isotope ratio data (C, N, S) will be extracted for the product-region system under study.

This is followed by the processing and transformation of the above data in the form of a unique ‘isotopic fingerprint’, capable of being used to distinguish the geographical origin of the product. The final step is the communication of the processed results to the competent decision-making bodies, seeking the immediate acceptance of the methodology, as a scientifically documented and practically implementable process of control and protection of local production.