A review of farm to fork assurance schemes across the industry is currently underway.
The contents of this page are managed and updated by the Independent Commission to keep interested parties up to date on progress.
The comprehensive independent evaluation of the UK’s farm assurance schemes announced by the Commissioners of the UK Farm Assurance Review has been underway since the summer.
The project, jointly set up by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and AHDB, along with NFU Cymru, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and NFU Scotland (NFUS), is focussed on repurposing UK farm assurance for a post-Brexit world. The independent review of the UK Farm Assurance System is planned to report at the end of this year.
The Commissioners leading the review launched a number of calls for evidence over the summer that invited submissions from individual farmers and producers, farming organisations, assurance scheme bodies, policy makers, food processors, retailers, foodservice operators and consumer groups, as well as relevant trade associations and representative bodies.
Dr David Llewellyn, the Lead Commissioner, said: “We would like to thank all of those who responded to the various calls for evidence we made. This included over 3,600 farmers and another 150 supply chain organisations. The Commissioners also visited 12 key agricultural and trade events across the UK during the summer and autumn to engage with key stakeholders and farmers.
The primary research stage has now been completed. We are currently analysing the considerable amount of data and information of which we are now in possession.
It is still, at this stage, the intention of the Commissioners to report to the project sponsors by the end of the year. It was intended that any organisation from the agri food and farming supply chain who wanted to express a view about farm assurance, was able to do so. We believe as a group we have a strong evidence base to work from. This will assist in the development of a series of robust recommendations as we complete our review”.
Background
The independent review has been jointly commissioned by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and AHDB, along with NFU Cymru, The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and NFU Scotland (NFUS), who will all form part of the Assurance Review leadership group, which has overall responsibility for its delivery.
The industry-wide Assurance Review is focused on repurposing assurance in a post-Brexit world.
It aims to seek feedback from all farmers, crofters and growers about all farm assurance schemes with a view to revolutionising farm to fork assurance, making it truly fit for the future.
The review will examine:
- How farm assurance can deliver value back to scheme members
- How standards are developed to meet the evolving needs of members, the markets they serve, sector diversity and in appreciation of the global marketplace
- How assurance members are engaged with (including the development of standards), inspected and how technology is used in assurance now and in future
- How assurance schemes can and should fit with regulation and government schemes to best serve members
Call for Evidence
The review will include the following processes:
- Snapshot of UK Farm Assurance Standards
- Articulate Sector Needs
- Call for the Views from Farmers
- Call for Views from the Supply Chain
To ensure a thorough review which is truly representative of UK Farm Assurance Standards, we very much welcome the submission of evidence from all stakeholders.
Farm Survey
The Farm Survey has now closed. We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who responded to the survey, we have been very pleased with the number and quality of responses we have received. This data will now be analysed, and will feed into the review, and help to inform the conclusions and recommendations.
If you would like to contact us regarding the survey, please email: uk-farm-assurance-review@genusplc.com
Commissioners
The group have has appointed four commissioners who will be responsible for setting the terms of reference and a timeline to ensure the process provides clear outcomes to the industry. The commissioners appointed to undertake the review are:
- Dr David Llewellyn CBE (lead commissioner) – former Vice Chancellor of Harper Adams University
- James Withers – former Chief Executive Officer of Scotland Food and Drink
- Mark Suthern – Chairman of Trustees of the Farming Community Network (FCN)
- Katrina Williams – former Civil Servant in Policy making and shaping and implementation of legislation
The commission has reinforced the need for good industry engagement as well as transparency throughout this process and as such will be setting out detailed plans in the coming weeks. This will likely include face-to-face engagement at key industry events, a survey and a consultation process.
The commissioners will be supported by Promar International and Supply Chain InSites (SCI) within the review, ensuring transparency and independence.
About Promar International and SCI
Promar International is a leading agri food consulting firm with 140 staff working with UK and international farmers, farmer groups, food processors, retailers and foodservice operators as well as government organisations, trade associations and levy boards. Promar is subsidiary of Genus plc.
The SCI team have a long history in farm and food assurance and certification. They are accredited by UKAS to ISO17065 and have extensive experience with a wide range of schemes and certification bodies. More detailed information can be found here.
Contact
If you would like further information or discuss directly with us, then please contact: uk-farm-assurance-review@genusplc.com