NFU Scotland has welcomed the publication today (Monday 20 January) of a comprehensive report on the status and effectiveness of current farm assurance schemes in the UK. The report comes after a nine-month review period conducted by independent Commissioners on behalf of the UK farming unions, including NFU Scotland and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
The report is unequivocal that farm assurance is vital to farming’s future and the integrity of supply chains, as well as delivering necessary assurances to consumers.
However, the report is also adamant that aspects of farm assurance must fundamentally change to address growing frustrations, costs and stress for farmers and crofters over how it operates and is delivered – highlighting that a significant reset of farm assurance is needed.
Nine strategic recommendations have been identified. A total of 56 operational recommendations have also been made, with clear lead bodies and timescales. Achievement of these recommendations, the independent Commissioners believe, will win back farmer confidence where it has been lost, build on what already works well and secure a competitive edge for UK farming on the world stage.
NFU Scotland’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy, Jonnie Hall said; “We welcome this timely, comprehensive and independent, report which has unearthed the concerns and issues that we knew many of our members have about farm assurance in general.
“By setting out the importance of effective farm assurance, the report makes it clear that currently there are flaws and weaknesses that must be addressed. But, in setting out examples of good practice including those from schemes operating in Scotland, the report also provides a clear way forward for farm assurance and we are committed to playing our part in making that happen.
“Essentially, what we are looking at is a fundamental reset of farm assurance in the UK to ensure it works for the entire supply chain, not least the primary producer and the end consumer. Ensuring confidence in a robust and effective farm assurance system will be crucial for profitable farming and crofting in Scotland.
“This thoroughly comprehensive and independent review of farm assurance means we can be confident that nothing has been overlooked. Having gone through the report, we are endorsing all nine of the of the strategic recommendations made.
“NFU Scotland is committed to delivery of the relevant actions and timescales identified and will actively seek to work alongside others in doing this.
“If the required reset of farm assurance is to happen, and with some urgency, all the relevant organisations must work together to ensure the clear actions identified are effectively carried out.”
The UK Farm Assurance Review Report can be found at https://promar-international.com/farm-assurance-review/ .
