AIC's three guiding pillars - Productivity, Environment and Competitiveness
AIC supports Member businesses by lobbying for a political and business environment in which sustainable businesses can grow for the benefit of the agri-supply industry and the wider UK economy.
This is secured through enhanced engagement with Governments and stakeholder bodies across the UK.
We encourage our work to encompass all three of our guiding pillars - Productivity, Environment and Competitiveness - delivering for sustainability and contributing to the circular economy.
Productivity
We will seek to find and support solutions to improve productivity in UK agriculture. This will enable Member businesses the opportunity to innovate within a supportive regulatory environment.
This will include novel solutions (such as gene editing) and the use of technology and data where it is for the benefit of Members and the sector as a whole.
We will encourage Member businesses who are often uniquely placed to support knowledge transfer from agri-business onto farm through their network of qualified, professional advisers.
Environment
We will support policy changes which benefit the environment and contribute to net zero, where this progresses the work of agri-business.
With the UK now able to formulate its own policy landscape it is important that AIC seeks to shape a mix of policies for the environment that sustains farming and UK agri-business.
Recognising the political stance in the UK on the environment, AIC will continue to update its Roadmap for a Sustainable Food Chain to incorporate technical advances, and work in partnership with stakeholders and administrations across the UK as new agricultural and environmental policies are developed and implemented.
Competitiveness
We will work to secure opportunities for UK agri-business to compete in local and global markets.
Our understanding of regulatory impacts covering standards of production, in particular where these impede UK competitiveness, and our ability to identify where changes would make the UK more competitive, will ensure our Members can viably operate without losing sight of the principles of leading standards of food and feed safety.
Visit the About AIC webpage for more information about our work and the businesses we represent.
Authors
Robert Sheasby
John Kelley
John Kelley is Chief Operating Officer, which includes the management of AIC Services, and is based at the AIC Head Office, Peterborough.