Assurance key to public confidence

19 August 1997

Assurance key to public confidence

FARM assurance was a key factor to restore consumer confidence, said NFU deputy president, Ben Gill told the conference.

Developments in the food chain had left consumers remote from farming and more dependent on food processing. A contracting farm work force had also led to less understanding of todays more complicated farming systems.

Clear and positive statements were needed to restore consumers confidence. Many preferred to buy home-produced food, but they needed to have confidence in it.

Farm assurance was a positive development offering an opportunity to forge partnerships between producers and consumers. Although it would cost the industry a lot of money, it was essential, said Mr Gill.