UFU president William Irvine on his County Armagh farm. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) welcomes the publication of the Independent Farm Assurance Review (FAR) Report, the first comprehensive evaluation of UK farm assurance schemes in 30 years. As a key supporter and contributor to this independent review, the UFU commends the Commissioners and Promar International for delivering such a thorough and critical assessment of farm assurance schemes.
Farmers have long recognised the importance of assurance schemes in providing consumers with confidence and integrity in the food we produce. However, the FAR Report makes it clear that significant improvements are needed to rebuild trust among primary producers and ensure that assurance schemes deliver effectively for the entire food supply chain.
While the UFU will take the necessary time to carefully analyse the proposed strategic themes and recommendations, we want to highlight key areas which we submitted to this review where we consider reform is essential. “It is vital that all new standards undergo robust financial analysis and are developed through a balanced process, with greater involvement from primary producers. Standards must work with farmers, not against them.”
“Inspections should be based on guidance and support rather than rigid enforcement. This approach will reduce unnecessary pressure on farmers while maintaining high standards.”
“Greater consideration must be given to regional differences and challenges. Farm assurance schemes must reflect devolved policies and the realities on the ground and address these issues satisfactorily.”
“The fundamental purpose of farm assurance schemes must be to provide consumers with trust in the food they buy while fostering improved communication and trust with farmers.”
UFU President William Irvine stated, “This report confirms what farmers across Northern Ireland have been saying for years – the current system needs to change. Farmers’ concerns about unnecessary complexity, costs, and a lack of genuine collaboration have been ignored for too long. It’s time for assurance schemes to revisit their core purpose. Farmers want assurance schemes they can believe in, not bureaucratic systems that fail to deliver value.”
The UFU supports the NFU’s call for this report to be a reset moment. However, we urge assurance schemes and all stakeholders to move beyond words and deliver meaningful change. “Farmers will no longer tolerate a ‘top-down’ approach to standards and inspections that leaves them disillusioned and overburdened. We need an assurance system that works for farmers and consumers alike.”
The UFU remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure these changes happen. “Farmers deserve better, and we will not rest until the system is reformed and trust is restored.”
