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Commissioners leading the 51AVÊÓƵAssurance Review have extended the deadline for responses to the farmer survey to September 7, with the closing date for supply chain and industry responsesÌý September 15 .

The lead commissioner for the review, Dr David Llewellyn told Farmers Guardian that the 51AVÊÓƵAssurance Survey has received over 3,400 responses.

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51AVÊÓƵassuranceÌý

He said whilst this was ‘pleasing', the week extension will be an opportunity to see if they can ‘boost the numbers further'.

He said: " We know farmers have been very busy over the last few weeks, during the main harvest period. One of the objectives of the survey has always been to make it as accessible to as many farmers and growersÌýas possible, regardless of theÌýsector in which they operateÌýand where they are based."

'Robust evidence'

When asked if he was confident the farmer survey would be representative of the sector, he said it would be, adding it would provide a 'robust evidence base'.

"The same applies to the supply chain consultation being carried out with retailers, foodservice operators, trade associations, all the main assurance schemes, academics and government agencies. Other elements informing the review will include a detailed literature survey and an analysis of international case studies, to see what transferable lessons can be gained from these sources," he said.Ìý

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'Independent and Transparent'

Dr Llewellyn said all of this work will help produce findings at the end of the review which are ‘strongly evidence based, independent and transparent', adding these are principles which have underpinned the work carried out so far and will continue to do so for the remaining activities.

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He said this is the first time in many years that a 'comprehensive evaluation of UK farm assurance has been undertaken', and urged farmers to share their views.

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