AHDB prioritises fair environmental standards post-review

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has pledged to place environmental standards at the forefront of its reforms in its response to the recent Farm Assurance Review.

The levy board emphasised that environmental standards “are not going away”, but it is crucial that any new regulations offer incentives for farmers to improve performance rather than impose burdens.

See also: Red Tractor pledges major reform after farmer backlash

This approach comes after the scrapping of the Greener Farms Commitment (GFC) in March 2024, a voluntary add-on module that faced fierce opposition from farmers who found its requirements too onerous.

The AHDB is determined any future environmental standards will be shaped in a collaborative way, ensuring they are both fair and rewarding for those who meet them.

“The challenge is to find a balance between regulation and rewarding farmers for achieving higher standards,” said the AHDB in its response.

AHDB plans to continue its work on baselining and evidence gathering, ensuring that any environmental standards outside of farm assurance schemes are designed to support farmers, compensate them for their efforts, and work effectively across the industry.

But whether these standards are incorporated into farm assurance schemes will depend on the incentives they provide and how well they align with the objectives of each scheme, the AHDB states.

In addition to its commitment to environmental standards, the AHDB has outlined plans to address several other key recommendations from the FAR, including improving the governance of farm assurance schemes such as Red Tractor.

Red Tractor leadership

The review highlighted concerns over the scheme’s leadership, and AHDB, as one of Red Tractor’s six owners, is committed to working alongside other stakeholders to strengthen its governance and ensure that it meets the evolving needs of farmers.

“AHDB agrees the owners of Red Tractor should show greater and more active leadership, to help shape its future direction and organisational culture,” the levy body states.

Data collection and management also remain a priority, with the AHDB backing the FAR’s call for better data governance to make it easier for farmers to access and benefit from information.

The board recognises that finding solutions to data control and ownership will be essential in fostering trust and ensuring farmers benefit from data-sharing practices.

The AHDB’s response to the review also includes plans to explore international standards for Cereals and Oilseeds and further collaborate with farmers, farming unions, and other assurance scheme owners to ensure the reforms are in line with industry demands.

AHDB chief executive Graham Wilkinson reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring that farm assurance schemes work for everyone.

“We are fully committed to delivering meaningful reforms that benefit the entire supply chain, including addressing environmental goals in a fair and practical manner,” he said.