Online grain passports moved closer to reality as industry leaders said they favoured the adoption of this electronic system to replace paper passports.

The AHDB has now been tasked with drafting a fully costed proposal to be used across Britain, which will be discussed again in March 2017.

Trade associations, individuals and companies, making up the Cereals Liaison Group, have given the green light to the eGrain Passport initiative after a meeting on Thursday (17 November) following a six-month consultation.

See also: Online grain passports could bring rapid buyer feedback

This initiative was launched to address the shortcomings of paper passports, and ensure the industry is prepared for any future data or traceability requirements.

As part of the consultation, all but one of the respondents to the proposal said it should be AHDB-owned and funded by the levy, at least until fully established.

Martin Grantley-Smith, AHDB sector strategy director for cereals and oilseeds, said the industry was keen to prepare for future challenges and embrace new technologies.

“An electronic grain passport system would be world leading and is set to bring benefits to businesses across the supply chain, bringing transparency and efficiency to every part of the process of moving grain,” said Dr Grantley-Smith.

A series of videos produced by AHDB to explain what the eGrain passport means for farmers and hauliers, merchants, processors and off-farm stores can be see on the AHDB’s website.