Farm assurance 'reset' required to rebuild farmers' confidence

The review said on-farm audits had caused stress, complexity and a sense of 'jeopardy' amongst farmers

Chris Brayford
clock • 9 min read
Dr David Llewellyn, lead commissioner of the UK Farm Assurance report, said: "We found competing interests and ambitions for the farm assurance system. Over time, that has added complexity and stress for farmers, many of whom now struggle to identify any real benefits to their business. Worse still, many feel they live in a permanent state of jeopardy with ‘make or break' audits determining whether their businesses can operate or not."
Image:

Dr David Llewellyn, lead commissioner of the UK Farm Assurance report, said: "We found competing interests and ambitions for the farm assurance system. Over time, that has added complexity and stress for farmers, many of whom now struggle to identify any real benefits to their business. Worse still, many feel they live in a permanent state of jeopardy with ‘make or break' audits determining whether their businesses can operate or not."

An independent review into UK farm assurance schemes has outlined measures calling for a 'fundamental reset' of the current system in order to rebuild trust and confidence with farmers. The report,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Business

Food production must by recognised as part of UK 'critical infrastructure', says BPC

Food production must by recognised as part of UK 'critical infrastructure', says BPC

New report challenges Government to provide suitable planning and trade policies to put food security at heart of national security

clock 02 December 2025 • 1 min read
One of UK's oldest John Deere dealers announces Christmas Eve closure for Llanllwni depot

One of UK's oldest John Deere dealers announces Christmas Eve closure for Llanllwni depot

Is this a sign of the IHT effect or an industry which has been struggling to cope with rising business costs and low sales returns for years?

Chris Brayford
clock 01 December 2025 • 2 min read
Welsh farmers left 'high and dry' on PDR

Welsh farmers left 'high and dry' on PDR

Four years on from a Welsh Government consultation and there is still no word on Permitted Development Rights (PDR)

Alex Black
clock 30 November 2025 • 1 min read