Consultation announced for Combinable Crops Digital Passport

Digitising paper passports to improve data communication through supply chains has been a topic of discussion for over a decade. As a result, a simplified version of previous proposals has been developed has been developed over the past year, and is awaiting consultation.

The work has been a collaboration between representatives from all parts of the cereals and oilseeds chain, including merchants and animal feed receivers, farmers and receivers.

The group has also received support from experts at AHDB, as well as advice from a broad range of interested parties such as hauliers, port facility operators and businesses outside the organisations represented on the Leadership Group.

The business case sets out how a Digital Passport (Combinable Crops) system would operate, replacing existing paper passports. The electronic documentation will, as now, be initiated by farmers with input from hauliers, before being transmitted to receivers.

There will be live updates of assurance status prior to the vehicle leaving farms, avoiding the risk of delay or rejection at the receiver’s site.

In addition, the system will enable a multi-directional flow of data between farmers, grain merchants and end users such as millers, maltsters and feed mills. This includes a commitment to the real-time return of information to those involved in the chain.

The proposed system has been devised to ensure ease of use, as well as minimise costs and maximise accessibility. To this end, developers have explored the potential for existing software and off-the-peg systems to be adapted to the grain sector’s needs, along with a more bespoke approach.

The business case will be published in early October detailing the purpose, benefits and costs. The purpose of the consultation is to ensure industry needs are addressed, highlight gaps in the system and establish the level of support for the project.

Provided the proposal is accepted, the Leadership Group would then approach the AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Sector Council to discuss funding options. Additional funding would be sought from all available sources to keep costs as low as possible to direct passport users.

To take part in the consultation process, contact your representative at the respective trade association or get in touch with AHDB via David.Eudall@ahdb.org.uk to receive an update.