NFU Scotland will scrutinise the final business case proposed for the introduction of digital grain passports (DGP) to accompany grain movements. This would replace the existing paper-based system.
The business case has been brought forward by the DGP leadership group, made up of industry stakeholders, with organisations required to respond by early July.
Consultation with industry on the introduction of DGPs first commenced in 2022, with further consultation started in November 2023 and concluding in February 2024. At that time, NFU Scotland said that, broadly, its members remained unsupportive of the introduction of digital grain passports.
When assessing the pros and cons of introducing DGP, NFU Scotland set six key criteria to consider:
- Is it accessible?
- Is it efficient?
- Is it fit for purpose? (does scope remain within paper passport requirements)
- Are costs proportionate to benefits?
- Will the data be owned by those who provide it?
- Will the farming sector have a say in how the data is used?
Following extensive consultation with its membership, the Union concluded in February 2024 that only half the key tests set by the Union had been met.
NFU Scotland members determined that criteria around being fit for purpose, data ownership and data usage had been met. However, criteria around accessibility, efficiency and proportionate costs versus benefits had not. At that time, the Union remained unconvinced that moving to a digital system would be better than a paper system.
The DGP leadership group, which includes NFU Scotland, has now issued its final DGP business case. The new business case is dependent on Government funding from DEFRA. After three years, there would need to be additional funding from the levy body, AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds. The proposal requires agreement from AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds sector council in order to proceed.
NFU Scotland’s Combinable Crops Chair Jack Stevenson said: ‘We welcome publication of the final business case for Digital Grain Passport. NFUS has been actively representing our arable members in discussions and we know that there are split views within the industry with regards to whether moving to a digital system is a positive step forward.
“As discussions have evolved it has become clear is that some end users, including millers and maltsters, are now starting to make the case for a digital passport.
“The NFUS combinable crops committee previously established six key tests for the DGP, and we will consider if these have been met by the new business case.”
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006