Assurance plan on schedule -despite doubts
Assurance plan on schedule -despite doubts
GROWING opposition will not delay the introduction of a scheme to demonstrate growers commitment to delivering grain produced to a high standard.
"We have certainly had people expressing concern and reservation," admits NFU cereals adviser Jonathan Pettit. Indeed branches in the north-east want the NFU to withdraw its support from the Assured Combinable Crops Scheme (see News).
But 2000 producers have already expressed an interest in signing up through UK Food Quality Certification, the newly appointed scheme administrator, from next month, says Mr Pettit.
Pilot on-farm verifications by UKFQC, a joint venture between Scottish Food Quality Certification and Oxford-based Checkmate International, are planned for November and December. Those should remove grey areas before the scheme gets under way in the new year, explains Mr Pettit.
"Paperwork is the biggest objection. But I dont believe for the majority of people it will take a lot of time."
ACCS protocol working party chairman Jonathan Tipples says a claim by Kent farmer Bob Robertson that the NFUs Kent and East Sussex branch has voted against the scheme is wrong.
"NFU members were distressed at not being consulted, but they were broadly supportive. They wanted a delay until full consultation had taken place."
The ACCS, with an estimated average membership fee of £180, will receive a big publicity drive in the coming weeks, he adds.
West Midlands NFU policy adviser Claire Robinson says a key concern is that mixed farms cannot store grain in livestock buildings. But the protocols in the manual are very generalised, she points out. "They are worded in such a way that such buildings can be used where they are prepared correctly."
ASSURED CROPS
• More grower concerns.
• Some regions want NFU to withdraw its support.
• Typical joining cost £180.
• Administrator appointed.
• Explanatory roadshows soon.