AHDB has confirmed its decision to commission an independent review of assurance in the combinable crops supply chain.
The AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Sector Council’s decision to complete the review comes following a meeting involving presentations by Red Tractor (Assured Food Standards) and the British Farming Union (BFU).
AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Sector Chair Tom Clarke said the purpose of the review will be to provide answers to the questions being raised by the BFU and other levy payers: “As a first step, AHDB will commission independent experts to undertake a thorough examination to provide transparency and clarity of the quality, traceability, testing requirements and process for grain to enter all end-markets, outside of the existing UK assurance schemes.
“In setting the terms of reference and in gathering evidence, we and the independent experts will consult with Cereals and Oilseeds levy payers and those who represent them.
“Some time will now be taken to ensure a thorough and effective review takes place, with the findings expected to be shared with the industry by spring 2024 subject to appointing independent experts by the end of 2023.”
