Fair play to FW for tackling AIC issue head on.

[Clive]

I know it is not crops, but this appeared on Twitter from AHDB beef and Lamb. Where is the Red Tractor? Am I missing something? View attachment 984173

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1435206230042107909

 

[texelburger]

I’ve done similar and no one knows what it is. Some people go to a local butcher and some just look for a flag, many also just pick up whatever’s nearest.

I've done the same too and,I reckon,80% haven't a clue about RT.Their claim that the majority of the public look and ask for RT products is disingenuous to say the least.

 

[MrNoo]

It would give them the ideal opportunity to demonstrate how there scheme and logo give the producer a premium for adhering to there world class standards!

It hasnt so far so what do you expect to change, premium is a dirty word for RT, market price is not premium.
Premium was mooted when the scheme was first being aired

 

[Steevo]

I've done the same too and,I reckon,80% haven't a clue about RT.Their claim that the majority of the public look and ask for RT products is disingenuous to say the least.

Trouble is they can make these comments but nobody ever has to justify them. They aren't ever held to account for spouting rubbish.

 

[snipe]

And all the paperwork audit does is check what the farmer has self-declared.

It's no different to a self-declaration on the passport.

I put this to guy on Twitter, had no response yet.

 

[Grass And Grain]

I put this to guy on Twitter, had no response yet.

If you've got a valid thought, he'll just change the subject, without answering your point.

Thay means he hasn't got an answer.

Like when I continually asked him for a yes or no answer to the following question...

Guy, are you happy imported grains milled at a UFAS accredited mill, and used to feed RT assured animals, are safe and in no way poisonous, a food safety concern for the animals or the end consumer?

"Yes" or "No" Guy, what is your answer?

He spent all afternoon avoiding giving an answer. It was a straightforward question. RT and AIC have either got to be confident the imports are safe, or think they're unsafe.

 

[snipe]

Sent an email to the competition’s and marketing authority yesterday, they should respond within 10 days. Also contacting the national press.

 

[Grass And Grain]

Sent an email to the competition’s and marketing authority yesterday, they should respond within 10 days. Also contacting the national press.

Unfortunately it's happened at a busy time of year.

Make sure you save some ink for Farmers Weekly letters to editor.

They're REALLY helping us here to get the message out there to the farming industry, most of whom won't have known anything about it. Thanks @AM_Arable

Think there could potentially be several weeks of industry opinions, maybe using the FW as a platform for the debate?

That's good imho, it let's all opinions be voiced, and helps form thoughts on if or how this issue might be most appropriately resolved for UK Ag.

 

[SilliamWhale]

If you've got a valid thought, he'll just change the subject, without answering your point.

Thay means he hasn't got an answer.

Like when I continually asked him for a yes or no answer to the following question...

Guy, are you happy imported grains milled at a UFAS accredited mill, and used to feed RT assured animals, are safe and in no way poisonous, a food safety concern for the animals or the end consumer?

"Yes" or "No" Guy, what is your answer?

He spent all afternoon avoiding giving an answer. It was a straightforward question. RT and AIC have either got to be confident the imports are safe, or think they're unsafe.

View attachment 984277

If it is one for the FSA then the. answer would be yes. Same as UK grown non RT is safe for the FSA too

 

[warksfarmer]

We are encouraged to think it's fraudulent but it's no worse than mixing imported with native. In fact better than that

What about the farmers that have for example 14% protein group 1 but with low bushel. It’s sold as ‘feed’ and the farmer gets feed price and pays the haulage. When it arrives it’s blended and turned into full spec group 1 meaning the buyer instantly makes £25/t. They may have to pay haulage again to an end destination but they’ve still increased the value massively for a bit of mixing, whilst the farmer who grew it, is blissfully unaware.

 

[ajd132]

What about the farmers that have for example 14% protein group 1 but with low bushel. It’s sold as ‘feed’ and the farmer gets feed price and pays the haulage. When it arrives it’s blended and turned into full spec group 1 meaning the buyer instantly makes £25/t. They may have to pay haulage again to an end destination but they’ve still increased the value massively for a bit of mixing, whilst the farmer who grew it, is blissfully unaware.

That is not really an argument. They buy something and have the infrastructure and ability add value to it, that’s business.
Farmers can and do work togethor to do the same.

 

[MrNoo]

That is not really an argument. They buy something and have the infrastructure and ability add value to it, that’s business.
Farmers can and do work togethor to do the same.

Ah but if they're buying unassured and then blending away with assured then this is the issue. It happens, dont ask me how I know

 

[warksfarmer]

That is not really an argument. They buy something and have the infrastructure and ability add value to it, that’s business.
Farmers can and do work togethor to do the same.

So why don’t they say we can give you half the uplift for the processing because we recognise there’s quality in your shed.

 

[Barleymow]

So why don’t they say we can give you half the uplift for the processing because we recognise there’s quality in your shed.

Cause there greedy

 

[ajd132]

Ah but if they're buying unassured and then blending away with assured then this is the issue. It happens, dont ask me how I know

Yeh that is different

 

[ajd132]

So why don’t they say we can give you half the uplift for the processing because we recognise there’s quality in your shed.

In terms of after you have sold your low bushel crusoe as feed and they have made it milling?

 

[Grass And Grain]

I'm with @ajd132 on this one.

Don't want to fall into trap of looking or petty little jibes at RT/AIC. we'll leave those tactics to them.

 

[B R C]

Quick question that I probably should know the answer to. What assurances are there for imported grain that goes to food grade mills?

 

[David.]

Blending and adding moisture up to spec, etc, is just good business.
Coops do it for their members benefit, most farms lack the scale.
Not an argument against FA restrictive practices.

 

[Drillman]

Quick question that I probably should know the answer to. What assurances are there for imported grain that goes to food grade mills?

According to the red tractor head honcho they undergo a massive amount of lab testing.

Unfortunayley for him the above statement comes with no supporting evidence as no one is able to determine what tests if any are done.