The next steps in a comprehensive independent evaluation of the UK’s farm assurance schemes have been announced by the commissioners of the UK Farm Assurance Review.

An online survey has been issued by the commissioners to be completed by any farmer in the UK, from any sector. This is to “help provide evidence for the review” and “assist in the development of its recommendations”.

The project was jointly set up by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), along with NFU Cymru, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and NFU Scotland (NFUS).

Dr David Llewellyn, lead commissioner of the Review, said: “We are seeking views, in a variety of ways, across the UK agri-food industry, but this is your chance to tell us your experiences of farm assurance so that we hear directly from the farming community. The survey will take around 10-15 minutes to complete.

“Our evidence gathering will also involve direct engagement by the Commissioners with other key stakeholders. By responding directly to the Commissioners and not to the sponsors of the review, we intend to ensure that our work will be both independent and transparent and that we can hear from a wide cross section of stakeholders in farm assurance systems from across the UK.”