The National Farmers' Union (NFU) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) have said now is the "right time" to start their independent review of farm assurance.

The organisations said they will conduct a robust and transparent review to ensure assurance schemes are fit for purpose in the current landscape.

Although Red Tractor will be included in the review process, the NFU and AHDB said it will only be one part of the review, which is focused on all areas of farm assurance.

The aim of the review is to capture views from across the whole industry, including farmers, growers, merchants and processors.

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.

The next steps include appointing an independent commission to oversee the review and ensure full transparency and the opportunity for farmers and industry to have their say.

The NFU and AHDB said further details will be announced in due course.  

'It's time for change'

NFU president Minette Batters said: “The world is very different to the way it was when farm assurance schemes started in the UK some 25 years ago, not least thanks to huge changes in the way food is produced, coupled with increased interest from consumers about where their food comes from.

“It’s time for change. Farmers and growers don’t feel that many schemes currently work for them.

Batters said food safety, branding, provenance, differing sector needs and sustainability are just some areas that farm assurance is trying to address.

"It is right to ask how these areas can be delivered without giving away value from the farm gate," she said.

AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir said: “We are consistent in stating that it is vital that the reputation of levy payers' produce is maintained by assurance and where relevant, audits, to underpin the work we do on behalf of the industry in regard to promotion in the home and export markets.

“This independent evidence based review will allow us all to understand and address the future needs and opportunities that assurance has to play for the successful future of our industry.”