The Commission has been busy gathering views from across the industry, from stakeholders, farmers, and all of those involved in assurance systems across the summer.
You can find out more about their work at: Promar | Farm Assurance Review.
The NFU Cymru response was based on the feedback we received earlier in the year from our members at county meetings, commodity boards and our member survey. Our response has now been submitted for consideration by the Commission who hope to report back by the end of the year.
NFU Cymru members can log in and read our response: UK Farm Assurance Review- NFU Cymru response
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “This review is a great opportunity to take stock of what farm assurance has achieved and to identify what needs to be done to ensure it is fit for the future.
“Our response reflects the wide range of views that our members have on the variety of farm assurance schemes in operation in Wales. We recognise the important role that farm assurance plays in evidencing our high standards of production and defending the reputation of Welsh farming. However, farm assurance is also something which causes great concern and frustration to many of our members. In our response we also identify issues that need addressing, whether it’s the perceived lack of value for money that some assurance schemes provide, the audit burden on farm, or the way the scheme is marketed and promoted to consumers at home and abroad.
'New ways of working'
“We have also taken this opportunity to look at new ways of working and have put forward some clear asks including changes to the audit system, ways of utilising technology, rebuilding trust, communications, and introducing more transparency & accountability into some schemes. We also highlight the need for some assurance schemes to better recognise devolution in their design and delivery.
“NFU Cymru looks forward to hearing the outcomes of this farm assurance review and stands ready to work with the entire supply chain to implement the recommendations of the Commission”