The switch to digital passports for cereals and oilseeds has moved closer after leadership group agrees principles.
Hopes the Digital Passport scheme can move forward have been raised after it was announced stakeholders were now ‘aligned' on the ‘concept' of the scheme.
Digital Passport Leadership Group
Issuing an update to the plans which aim to use a new online system to monitor grain movements, the Digital Passport Leadership Group – made up of the NFU, Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), NFU Scotland, the Maltsters' Association of Great Britain (MAGB), and UK Flour Millers – has also agreed finance terms with AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Sector Council. The deal will see the board's levy funds used to cover ongoing running costs once the industry has fully transitioned to the digital system.
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The group said: "Final review, due diligence and benchmarking is being undertaken on the budget and delivery options. This is being considered now with a focus on ensuring the right level of support is in place to enable a smooth transition across the supply chain. Once complete, the business case will be revised and shared with industry."
Scotland and Northern Ireland
There is also agreement on the position of the Digital Passport for Scotland and Northern Ireland. NFU Scotland (NFUS) has withdrawn from the Leadership Group but given its agreement for the project to proceed in its absence. The Digital Passport will initially operate in England and Wales only, but with options for Scottish businesses to join later. The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) will remain part of the Leadership Group as observers.
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The Leadership Group is now seeking a meeting with Food and Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner to ‘make the case for funding'.
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