AHDB ready to support discussions over future of farm assurance

[AHDB]

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is ready to support discussions over the future development of farm assurance to ensure there is confidence in the way standards are being set and that they deliver value to all.

This follows reaction to Red Tractor’s Greener Farm Commitment module, which has been proposed to be introduced on a voluntary basis from April 2024.

AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir said: “Effective farm assurance is of vital importance to levy payers. The UK operates in an increasingly competitive international food environment, and we must be prepared to prove the high standards of quality, safety, production and provenance of our food to defend and promote the reputation of our industry. We must also respond to the changing needs of our customers and consumers.

“However, the reaction to Red Tractor's Greener Farm Commitment module proposal, whatever its merits, and ongoing discussions in the Cereals and Oilseeds sector and amongst Beef and Lamb producers is evidence that many farmers are beginning to consider that assurance is becoming an imposition without a reward and that there is a lack of buy-in to the case for, and potential benefits of, effective farm assurance.

“AHDB will contribute with independent evidence that helps provide a view on the value of assurance in supporting British farmers. We are already working on an independent international comparison study of competitor Beef and Lamb standards and today we have announced a similar study within the Cereal and Oilseeds sector.”

 

[slackjawedyokel]

@AHDB
Revelations continue to surface regarding RT’s GFC module to the consternation of AHDB-levy paying farmers such as myself.

We have pressing questions regarding AHDB’s role in this over the 3 years it has been in development, and how AHDB intends to proceed.

Please will AHDB start a new thread in the main ‘Agricultural Matters’ section of the forum with AHDB people that are sufficiently senior in the organisation to be able to answer the questions we have.

As you will be aware, there is a great deal of anger in the farming community about what appears to be a fait accompli. In the absence of AHDB engagement, we will be left to draw our own conclusions regarding AHDB involvement and how deserving the organisation is of our levy monies.

Many Thanks,
David Renner (levy payer).

 

[spin cycle]

note the starting premise....'we need farm assurance".....which we don't IMO

so by engaging in this discussion you are are endorsing the continuation of RT..clever and devious

the first thing that needs addressing is "is farm assurance " needed anymore given the end of subsidies and UK farmers having to compete with imported food not fettered with this regulatory burden

 

[tepapa]

note the starting premise....'we need farm assurance".....which we don't IMO

It should read the supermarkets need farm assurance.
They've missed that bit out.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

It should read the supermarkets need farm assurance.
They've missed that bit out.

Do they though? Some seem not to bother, eg:

Why have you removed the Red Tractor logo from your products?

in Why have you removed the Red Tractor logo from your products?, T&Cs and Company ValuesHome.

help.sainsburys.co.uk

 

[Bobby Spray]

It should read the supermarkets need farm assurance.
They've missed that bit out.

Supermarkets exist for one purpose and one purpose only. To return valve to the shareholders. If they can maximise the returns by selling non RT produce from overseas - they will do that,

 

[tepapa]

Do they though? Some seem not to bother, eg:

Why have you removed the Red Tractor logo from your products?

in Why have you removed the Red Tractor logo from your products?, T&Cs and Company ValuesHome.

help.sainsburys.co.uk

They need it to cover their arshe for due diligence, they don't want to pay any extra for it though.

I'm sure Sainsbury's only buy red tractor but don't see any added value so won't pay RT to promote it in store

 

[Chris F]

@AHDB
Revelations continue to surface regarding RT’s GFC module to the consternation of AHDB-levy paying farmers such as myself.

We have pressing questions regarding AHDB’s role in this over the 3 years it has been in development, and how AHDB intends to proceed.

Please will AHDB start a new thread in the main ‘Agricultural Matters’ section of the forum with AHDB people that are sufficiently senior in the organisation to be able to answer the questions we have.

As you will be aware, there is a great deal of anger in the farming community about what appears to be a fait accompli. In the absence of AHDB engagement, we will be left to draw our own conclusions regarding AHDB involvement and how deserving the organisation is of our levy monies.

Many Thanks,
David Renner (levy payer).

Hi David - the @AHDB acount is only for broadcast on TFF, it's not connected to a real person or email behind the scenes. It does say that in the signature. Not sure whether you were aware and if your post required a specific answer from them, it's unlikely to get one here outside of the official Q&As that they have been doing.

That said - I'm sure it will be read by someone at AHDB.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

Hi David - the @AHDB acount is only for broadcast on TFF, it's not connected to a real person or email behind the scenes. It does say that in the signature. Not sure whether you were aware and if your post required a specific answer from them, it's unlikely to get one here outside of the official Q&As that they have been doing.

That said - I'm sure it will be read by someone at AHDB.

Ah ok; I didn’t realise that. Thankyou Chris.

I just feel that AHDB should be being far more visible and accountable at the moment.

 

[Chris F]

Ah ok; I didn’t realise that. Thankyou Chris.

I just feel that AHDB should be being far more visible and accountable at the moment.

We talk to them about it and for what it's worth, there is positive change in the background.

 

[Hesstondriver]

Headline:

AHDB ready to support discussions over future of farm assurance​

Actual:

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is ready to support discussions over the future development of farm assurance

@adhb

I suggest you remove future development and replace with’ impending abolishment ’

 

[slackjawedyokel]

I would love to ask the AHDB top table what they make of the current GFC debacle, and the reasons behind it as outlined by @delilah in this prescient thread from March’23:

The cartel are coming for you.

I have been posting about this pincer movement on other threads but you haven't been reading it. You do need to. https://foodmanagement.today/new-collaboration-with-8-uk-supermarkets-to-drive-action-on-cutting-climate-impact-of-uk-food-and-drink/ The cartel have planted Dave Lewis in WWF UK...

thefarmingforum.co.uk

Do they agree with this assessment (first couple of posts on the thread) or do they think it’s a load of conspiracy theory nonsense?

 

[DrDunc]

I would love to ask the AHDB top table what they make of the current GFC debacle, and the reasons behind it as outlined by @delilah in this prescient thread from March’23:

The cartel are coming for you.

I have been posting about this pincer movement on other threads but you haven't been reading it. You do need to. https://foodmanagement.today/new-collaboration-with-8-uk-supermarkets-to-drive-action-on-cutting-climate-impact-of-uk-food-and-drink/ The cartel have planted Dave Lewis in WWF UK...

thefarmingforum.co.uk

Do they agree with this assessment (first couple of posts on the thread) or do they think it’s a load of conspiracy theory nonsense?

Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't out to get you

And, it seems the warnings were correct

 

[Henarar]

We talk to them about it and for what it's worth, there is positive change in the background.

there needs to be more than a bit of "change" they need to come out against this GFC or there will be a vote in the offing

 

[L P]

We talk to them about it and for what it's worth, there is positive change in the background.

Positive change for who? AHDB need to work at a level playing field, not assurance. The farmer should have a choice to be farm assured or to compete with imports under import standards.

 

[B'o'B]

Hello @AHDB, below is the full list of your functions as laid down by the Statutory Instrument that formed you. I wish to hightlight the 3rd function, "Promoting the production and marketing of standard products.". I have seen your promotion of the marketing of "assured products" but it is a long time since I saw any evidence for the marketing of "standard products". How does the AHDB intend to fulfil your roll promoting and marketing standard products going forward?

Many thanks, George Renner

SCHEDULE 1​

Functions of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board​

1. Promoting or undertaking scientific research.

2.—(1) Promoting or undertaking inquiry—

(a)as to materials and equipment, and

(b)as to methods of production, management and labour utilisation.

(2) Promoting or undertaking inquiry under sub-paragraph (1) includes promoting or undertaking—

(a)the discovery and development of—

(i)new materials, equipment and methods, and

(ii)improvements in those already in use,

(b)the assessment of the advantages of different alternatives, and

(c)the conduct of experimental establishments and of tests on a commercial scale.

3. Promoting the production and marketing of standard products.

4. Promoting the better definition of trade descriptions and consistency in the use of trade descriptions.

5. Developing, promoting, marketing or operating—

(a)standards relating to the quality of products, or

(b)systems for the classification of products.

6. Developing, reviewing or operating schemes for the certification of products or of operations connected with production or supply of products.

7. Undertaking the certification of products, the registration of certification trade marks, and the functions of proprietors of such marks.

8. Providing or promoting the provision of—

(a)training for persons engaged in or proposing to be engaged in the industry, and

(b)their education in subjects relevant to the industry.

9.—(1) Promoting—

(a)the adoption of measures for securing safer and better working conditions, and

(b)the provision and improvement of amenities for persons employed.

(2) Promoting or undertaking inquiry as to measures for securing safer and better working conditions.

10. Promoting or undertaking research for improving arrangements for marketing and distributing products.

11. Promoting or undertaking research into matters relating to the consumption or use of goods and services supplied by the industry.

12. Promoting arrangements—

(a)for co-operative organisations,

(b)for supplying materials and equipment, and

(c)for marketing and distributing products.

13. Promoting the development of export trade, including promoting or undertaking arrangements for publicity overseas.

14. Promoting or undertaking arrangements for better acquainting the public in the United Kingdom with the goods and services supplied by the industry and methods of using them.

15. Promoting or undertaking the collection and formulation of statistics.

16. Advising on any matters relating to the industry (other than remuneration or conditions of employment) as to which the appropriate authority may request the Board to advise, and undertaking inquiry for the purpose of enabling it to advise on such matters.

17. Undertaking arrangements for making available information obtained, and for advising, on matters with which the Board is concerned in the exercise of any of its functions.

18. Engaging in any form of collaboration or co-operation with other persons in performing any of their functions.

19. Promoting or undertaking research into the incidence, prevention and cure of industrial diseases.

20. Promoting or undertaking arrangements for encouraging the entry of persons into the industry.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

Hello @AHDB, below is the full list of your functions as laid down by the Statutory Instrument that formed you. I wish to hightlight the 3rd function, "Promoting the production and marketing of standard products.". I have seen your promotion of the marketing of "assured products" but it is a long time since I saw any evidence for the marketing of "standard products". How does the AHDB intend to fulfil your roll promoting and marketing standard products going forward?

Many thanks, George Renner

SCHEDULE 1​

Functions of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board​

1. Promoting or undertaking scientific research.

2.—(1) Promoting or undertaking inquiry—

(a)as to materials and equipment, and

(b)as to methods of production, management and labour utilisation.

(2) Promoting or undertaking inquiry under sub-paragraph (1) includes promoting or undertaking—

(a)the discovery and development of—

(i)new materials, equipment and methods, and

(ii)improvements in those already in use,

(b)the assessment of the advantages of different alternatives, and

(c)the conduct of experimental establishments and of tests on a commercial scale.

3. Promoting the production and marketing of standard products.

4. Promoting the better definition of trade descriptions and consistency in the use of trade descriptions.

5. Developing, promoting, marketing or operating—

(a)standards relating to the quality of products, or

(b)systems for the classification of products.

6. Developing, reviewing or operating schemes for the certification of products or of operations connected with production or supply of products.

7. Undertaking the certification of products, the registration of certification trade marks, and the functions of proprietors of such marks.

8. Providing or promoting the provision of—

(a)training for persons engaged in or proposing to be engaged in the industry, and

(b)their education in subjects relevant to the industry.

9.—(1) Promoting—

(a)the adoption of measures for securing safer and better working conditions, and

(b)the provision and improvement of amenities for persons employed.

(2) Promoting or undertaking inquiry as to measures for securing safer and better working conditions.

10. Promoting or undertaking research for improving arrangements for marketing and distributing products.

11. Promoting or undertaking research into matters relating to the consumption or use of goods and services supplied by the industry.

12. Promoting arrangements—

(a)for co-operative organisations,

(b)for supplying materials and equipment, and

(c)for marketing and distributing products.

13. Promoting the development of export trade, including promoting or undertaking arrangements for publicity overseas.

14. Promoting or undertaking arrangements for better acquainting the public in the United Kingdom with the goods and services supplied by the industry and methods of using them.

15. Promoting or undertaking the collection and formulation of statistics.

16. Advising on any matters relating to the industry (other than remuneration or conditions of employment) as to which the appropriate authority may request the Board to advise, and undertaking inquiry for the purpose of enabling it to advise on such matters.

17. Undertaking arrangements for making available information obtained, and for advising, on matters with which the Board is concerned in the exercise of any of its functions.

18. Engaging in any form of collaboration or co-operation with other persons in performing any of their functions.

19. Promoting or undertaking research into the incidence, prevention and cure of industrial diseases.

20. Promoting or undertaking arrangements for encouraging the entry of persons into the industry.

Try sending that to the board of the AHDB. It’s unlikely they’ll look in here.

 

[Hill Ground]

Hello @AHDB, below is the full list of your functions as laid down by the Statutory Instrument that formed you. I wish to hightlight the 3rd function, "Promoting the production and marketing of standard products.". I have seen your promotion of the marketing of "assured products" but it is a long time since I saw any evidence for the marketing of "standard products". How does the AHDB intend to fulfil your roll promoting and marketing standard products going forward?

Many thanks, George Renner

SCHEDULE 1​

Functions of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board​

1. Promoting or undertaking scientific research.

2.—(1) Promoting or undertaking inquiry—

(a)as to materials and equipment, and

(b)as to methods of production, management and labour utilisation.

(2) Promoting or undertaking inquiry under sub-paragraph (1) includes promoting or undertaking—

(a)the discovery and development of—

(i)new materials, equipment and methods, and

(ii)improvements in those already in use,

(b)the assessment of the advantages of different alternatives, and

(c)the conduct of experimental establishments and of tests on a commercial scale.

3. Promoting the production and marketing of standard products.

4. Promoting the better definition of trade descriptions and consistency in the use of trade descriptions.

5. Developing, promoting, marketing or operating—

(a)standards relating to the quality of products, or

(b)systems for the classification of products.

6. Developing, reviewing or operating schemes for the certification of products or of operations connected with production or supply of products.

7. Undertaking the certification of products, the registration of certification trade marks, and the functions of proprietors of such marks.

8. Providing or promoting the provision of—

(a)training for persons engaged in or proposing to be engaged in the industry, and

(b)their education in subjects relevant to the industry.

9.—(1) Promoting—

(a)the adoption of measures for securing safer and better working conditions, and

(b)the provision and improvement of amenities for persons employed.

(2) Promoting or undertaking inquiry as to measures for securing safer and better working conditions.

10. Promoting or undertaking research for improving arrangements for marketing and distributing products.

11. Promoting or undertaking research into matters relating to the consumption or use of goods and services supplied by the industry.

12. Promoting arrangements—

(a)for co-operative organisations,

(b)for supplying materials and equipment, and

(c)for marketing and distributing products.

13. Promoting the development of export trade, including promoting or undertaking arrangements for publicity overseas.

14. Promoting or undertaking arrangements for better acquainting the public in the United Kingdom with the goods and services supplied by the industry and methods of using them.

15. Promoting or undertaking the collection and formulation of statistics.

16. Advising on any matters relating to the industry (other than remuneration or conditions of employment) as to which the appropriate authority may request the Board to advise, and undertaking inquiry for the purpose of enabling it to advise on such matters.

17. Undertaking arrangements for making available information obtained, and for advising, on matters with which the Board is concerned in the exercise of any of its functions.

18. Engaging in any form of collaboration or co-operation with other persons in performing any of their functions.

19. Promoting or undertaking research into the incidence, prevention and cure of industrial diseases.

20. Promoting or undertaking arrangements for encouraging the entry of persons into the industry.

Try sending that to the board of the AHDB. It’s unlikely they’ll look in here.

How about sending it as an open letter to FW/farmers gaurdian/Scottish farmers, and any other publications you can think of, signed by ........ representing the BFU!!

Bet they see it then!!