The decision over how this project should proceed rests with industry and a consultation has been held over the summer. The NFU response to this consultation can be found here and also in the related documents section below - please note you will need your membership login details.
Background:
The eGrain passport pilot project is the result of discussions by the Cereals Liaison Group, made up of representatives from trade organisations across the UK arable industry. These discussions highlighted the need for the UK cereals industry to be able to meet future data requirements, to improve two-way flow of information and strengthen assurance schemes.
A key pilot objective was to develop a passport system which includes two-way information flow. This feedback of information was tested during the pilot, processors and grain stores were able to add weight and grain quality data to the system which farmers, merchants and hauliers could access.
The pilot project operated in the milling wheat and malting barley supply chains with Heygates and Muntons respectively being the end users. Merchants Fengrain, Gleadell, Glencore and Openfield, participated; as well as a cross section of hauliers and growers.
How does it work?
Briefly, the eGrain system is comprised of a central database accessible through a web portal which processors, merchants, off-farm stores, hauliers and farm staff can access with their own login details. A mobile app, which is held on a device carried by the haulier, allows the capture of data at the point of collection, including the farmer and haulier declarations which are signed digitally using PINs. This app does not need mobile signal to work and data can be synchronised with the database when the device finds signal en route to the tipping point.
Farmers have the option to upload passport data in advance of collection or complete it on the day using the driver’s device. Processors, merchants and hauliers can also choose to integrate their IT systems with the eGrain system meaning data can be exchanged automatically between systems.