Promar International

The business case for farm biodiversity – a must-read for food processors, retailers, farmers and policy makers In today’s food system, farm biodiversity is no longer just an environmental concern – it’s a key business issue. 🚨 In our latest blog, Senior Sustainability Consultant Vicki Halliwell explores the decline of biodiversity in the UK and its negative impacts on the food supply chain. The article also highlights the positive impacts of farm biodiversity, including: • Enhanced business efficiency • Preserved profits • Increased customer trust As a food processor, supermarket, or farmer, this is essential reading. Promar International offers a range of services to help farmers improve biodiversity on their farms. Our services include: • Benchmarking and assessment • Tailored advice and support • Access to funding opportunities By investing in farm wildlife initiatives, all parties can all create a more resilient and sustainable food-supply chain. 🌱 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eiNNGtJH #farmdiversity #foodsecurity #sustainableagriculture

UK FARM ASSURANCE REVIEW - A CALL FOR EVIDENCE FROM THE SUPPLY CHAIN 🌎 The comprehensive independent evaluation of the UK’s farm assurance schemes announced by the Commissioners of the UK Farm Assurance Review is underway.     The project, jointly set up by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and AHDB, along with NFU Cymru, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) and NFU Scotland (NFUS), is focussed on repurposing UK farm assurance for a post-Brexit world. The independent review of the UK Farm Assurance System is planned to report at the end of this year.     The Commissioners leading the review have launched a call for evidence that invites submissions from farming organisations, assurance scheme bodies, policy makers, food processors, retailers, foodservice operators and consumer groups, as well as relevant trade associations and representative bodies.      It is intended that any organisation from the wider supply chain that wants to express a view about farm assurance, can do so. This will help provide a robust evidence base for the review and will assist in the development of its recommendations.      Dr David Llewellyn, the Lead Commissioner, said: “We are seeking further views to inform the review, and this is the opportunity for the supply chain to tell us their experiences of farm assurance. This is so that we hear directly from the food industry community on this important topic.    To participate in the consultation exercise, please email:    The UK Farm Assurance Review    [email protected]  We are looking forward to the participation in the call for evidence from as many supply chain companies and organisations as possible, as their contribution to this review will be vital to understanding how current farm assurance systems are used within the supply chain and how they might be improved for the future.    The closing date for this consultation process will be 15 September 2024.      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”, concluded Dr Llewellyn.   

Training continues at pace for our graduates, who have been busy in the sunshine learning all about the work completed by our Promar Sustainability experts. ☀ ♻ Graduates have been out and about honing their existing knowledge of Carbon footprinting work, proposing changes to reduce emissions and boost farm profits, in addition to developing their knowledge of soil health, soil mycorrhizal networks and erosion risk.

We are proud to continue to work with Lidl GB and Dunbia Group, supporting a pioneering scheme which will grow sustainable livestock production in the UK. It is equally fantastic to see this project promote the benefits and opportunities for grazed systems in the UK. 🐮

Farm business conditions, as reported by farmers The agricultural industry continues to face unique challenges. Our latest blog post reports the key trends from October 2023 to March 2024, as told to our researchers by the UK farmers that take part in the long-running Farm Business Survey. It provides a direct insight into farm business conditions. What factors impacted the industry most? Click the link to find out. https://lnkd.in/e8XAsWKU #FarmBusinessSurvey #FarmResearch #UKFarmers

UK FARM ASSURANCE REVIEW - A CALL FOR EVIDENCE FROM FARMERS🌾 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. The project, jointly set up by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and AHDB, along with NFU Cymru, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) and NFU Scotland (NFUS), will focus on repurposing UK farm assurance for a post-Brexit world. The independent review of the UK Farm Assurance System is planned to report at the end of this year. The Commissioners leading this review have now issued an online survey that can be completed by any farmer in the UK, from any sector that will help provide evidence for the review and will assist in the development of its recommendations. Dr David Llewellyn, the Lead Commissioner has 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. The survey can be found by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gVp25dhp We are really looking forward to the participation in this survey of as many farmers as possible, as part of their contribution to this important review. 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”, concluded Dr Llewellyn.

🌾 Unlock the Full Potential of Your Herd with Silage Analysis Silage analysis is a powerful tool for dairy farmers looking to optimize herd nutrition and performance. By analysing your silage, you can gain valuable insights into its nutritional value, allowing you to formulate the most effective diet for your cows. 🐄 In our latest article, by Sustainability Consultant Ellie Newman, we delve into the science behind silage analysis and share practical tips to maximize its benefits. 🔬 The article assesses the importance of silage analysis and the key measurements you should be aware of, including CP, D-value, ME, and much, much more. Understanding these measurements empowers you to make informed decisions about your herd's diet and avoid costly mistakes like overfeeding protein. The article also provides actionable tips on how to improve your silage analysis results, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. Ready to unlock the full potential of your silage and your herd? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e-63uA9u Data-backed decisions lead to more robust herds, better yields, and healthier margins. 🌟 #dairyfarming #silage #herdhealth #nutrition #agriculture

🌿 Farm Anaerobic Digestion – is it time to include it in your farm strategy? 🚜 As Farm AD technology shrinks and becomes less pricey, it becomes more viable as a resource to use on smaller farms. But how do you know if it’s right for you? Read our latest blog post, from Lauren Busby , to find out how to assess its suitability for your business. https://lnkd.in/e4kKyXSg #FarmAD #AnaerobicDigesters #Farming #Sustainability

🌊 Protecting Water Quality with the Thames Water Catchment Fund 🌊 Promar International, in collaboration with Thames Water, is committed to improving water quality and reducing pesticide and nitrate pollution. As part of the Thames Water Catchment Fund, we are working closely with farmers to achieve these goals. Our specialists provide practical advice, access to funding, and educational events. Learn more about our efforts and our target catchment areas in our latest blog by Vicki Halliwell. https://lnkd.in/d6SrRbf5 #WaterQuality #Sustainability #Farming

🌽 Are you thinking of undersowing maize your maize this year? 🌽 It's a practice that the Environment Agency recommends, and contractors are offering more and more. Major benefits: • improved soil structure, better drainage, reduced compaction • less water run-off, higher retention of nitrogen and other nutrients, less leaching, reduced pollution in watercourses • better ground conditions for wet-weather harvesting, great for later harvesting at target dry matter For more information, check out this article, by our Farm Business Consultant Sarah Tucker. https://lnkd.in/e_F9ytGZ 🌍 #Agriculture #Sustainability #Maize #Farming #PromarInternational