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Green light, no red tractor for Genesis

- 10 November 2000
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10 November 2000



Green light, no red tractor for Genesis

By FWi staff


MILLERS have given a mixed reaction to news that the Genesis standard has been recognised by the National Association of British and Irish Millers.

NABIM found that the arable module of the Genesis scheme is equivalent to the Assured Combinable Crops Scheme and Scottish Quality Cereals.

But some millers were concerned that while Genesis now has an acceptable auditors scheme, it cannot apply the little red tractor British Farm Standard mark.

Allied Mills Mark Hughes said until Genesis could apply the little red tractor logo, his company would not buy grain from the scheme.

And Peter Jones of Rank Hovis said: “We need to look at the relationship between Genesis and the red tractor logo before making a decision.”

A more positive reaction came from George Marriage of WH Marriage and Sons, Chelmsford.

He said: “I think it is important to have as much farm assurance as possible, and for farmers to have a choice of schemes.”

Genesis managing director Martin Barker described the news as “a monumental step forward for all UK farmers”.

He said the agreement is retrospective and backdated to 01 September, giving members cover for this harvests grain.

Some scheme changes have been made; transport documents now include the Genesis logo and a producer declaration on which years grain is being sold.

Genesis says it submitted an application for red tractor logo approval several weeks ago and is awaiting a decision.

So far, Genesis, which is based at Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent, has 3000 members and annual arable fees range from 120-300.

Meanwhile, Viking Cereals is set to create its own quality assurance scheme in time for next harvest.

“I can do it cheaper, I think I can do it better and I know I can actually make some commitment to the scheme that I do not believe either Genesis or ACCS make,” says chief executive David Balderson.

Vikings 400 members currently pay an average 300 a year for assurance.

While ACCS and Genesis guarantee a visit once every three years, Viking visits its farmers at least two, if not three times a year, said Mr Balderson.

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