The AIC Podcast — UK Agri‑Supply Chain Insights

Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) | UK Agri Supply
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The AIC Podcast is a monthly show delivering clear insights, expert perspectives, and practical guidance to help the agri-supply sector understand how the UK supply chain really works. Each episode focuses on either how the supply chain operates, a key issue shaping the sector, or an in‑depth look at an AIC Assurance Scheme, with AIC Technical Managers explaining what Participants need to know, common compliance pitfalls, and key steps. Designed to be informative, accessible, and relevant, it’s the go‑to podcast for anyone working across the agricultural and agri‑supply industries in the UK.

  1. 4d ago

    Sustainability Reporting: From Supply Chain Compliance to Business Value

    Sustainability reporting is becoming a practical compliance and business issue for the agricultural supply chain. In this episode of ⁠The AIC Podcast⁠, Vicky Robinson, AIC Head of Sustainability, and Andrew Pearson, AIC Policy Manager, join Wendy Ford, AIC Communications Manager, to discuss why sustainability reporting matters, the value it can bring to businesses and how agricultural supply businesses can prepare for evolving reporting requirements. We cover: What sustainability reporting involves, including its economic, social and environmental dimensions.What is driving growing demand for sustainability information across supply chains.How collecting and analysing sustainability data can support better decision-making, reduce costs, improve operational efficiency and strengthen customer relationships.Why credible sustainability claims need to be transparent, clearly defined and supported by robust evidence.The importance of monitoring, reporting and verification, known as MRV, in helping businesses substantiate their claims.How accurate, business-specific data can recognise and reward investment in areas such as lower-energy manufacturing, ration reformulation and product carbon footprints.Where businesses can begin by identifying their most important impacts, establishing a baseline and focusing on a small number of priority areas.How businesses can manage increasing volumes of data using anything from an Excel spreadsheet to a bespoke reporting system.Why sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all exercise and should reflect each business’s operations, people, risks and priorities.How the AIC Sustainability Action Plan can help Members assess their progress and identify practical next steps. As Vicky Robinson explains, sustainability reporting is “not a nice to do, it is a must do”, but it should be recognised as beneficial to the business rather than approached purely as a compliance exercise. Andrew Pearson highlights that good sustainability reporting can help businesses make better decisions, manage risks more effectively and demonstrate their value within increasingly sustainability-focused supply chains. This episode is ideal for AIC Members, agricultural supply businesses, sustainability professionals and anyone looking to understand how effective reporting can support business resilience, competitiveness and long-term planning.

  2. Oct 20

    Party Conference Season 2026: What It Means for UK Agriculture and the Agri Supply Chain

    What did party conference season 2026 reveal for UK agriculture and the agricultural supply chain? In this episode of ⁠The AIC Podcast⁠,  AIC Chief Executive Robert Sheasby and Head of Policy and External Affairs Ed Barker join Wendy Ford, AIC Communications Manager, to reflect on the key themes from across the UK’s political party conferences and what they could mean for agriculture and agricultural supply businesses. We cover: The key themes that emerged from party conference season and what they could mean for UK agriculture and the agricultural supply chain.Why food security featured in the political conversation and its importance for the sector.The political focus on business growth and the pressures facing businesses from rising costs.The UK-EU relationship and why future developments could matter for agriculture and agricultural supply businesses.Why direct engagement with politicians and policymakers matters for AIC Members and the wider agricultural supply chain.The political and policy developments AIC will be watching as the industry looks ahead. Plus, stay to the end for a quick-fire round covering conference venues, catering and some memorable merchandise. This episode is ideal for AIC Members, agricultural supply businesses and anyone working across UK agriculture who wants to understand the political themes emerging from the 2026 party conference season and what they could mean for the industry.

  3. Oct 5

    Certified Seed: What Every Grower Needs to Know

    In this episode of The AIC Podcast,  Rose Riby, AIC Head of Combinable Crops and Seed, and David Huish from Dalton Seeds and Vice Chair of the AIC Seed Committee join Wendy Ford, AIC Communications Manager, to discuss certified seed, what it is, what it means for growers and why it matters for the future of the UK seed industry.   We cover:         What certified seed is and how it gives growers confidence that the seed they purchase meets recognised quality standards.What seed certification involves, including independent checks of germination, physical purity, moisture levels and the presence of weeds or other impurities.How growers can weigh the upfront cost of certified seed against its wider value, including quality assurance, traceability and investment in future varieties.The role of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s Recommended Lists in helping farmers compare varieties, disease resistance, straw strength and market opportunities.Why royalties are important in supporting plant breeders’ research and development, helping to bring forward new varieties and improved genetics.How seed treatments can protect crops against seed-borne diseases, and why accurate application rates and independent assurance are important.The role of the European Seed Treatment Assurance Scheme, known as ESTA, in supporting the safe and high-quality handling of treated seed.How certified seed can support sustainable crop production through known germination standards, improved varieties, responsible production and more targeted use of inputs.Why growers should seek advice from someone who understands their farm, the seed market, variety traits, disease risks and the needs of the end market.  As Rose Riby explains, certified seed provides “confidence that what you’re purchasing in a bag is as it should be”. David Huish describes it as “trust in a bag”, reflecting the reassurance provided by independent testing, traceability and recognised quality standards. This episode is ideal for arable farmers, growers, seed merchants, plant breeders, agronomists and anyone who wants to understand certified seed, the certification process and the role it plays in supporting crop production and continued investment in future varieties.

  4. Sep 22

    Navigating Change: Delivering for the Agricultural Supply Chain

    In this episode, John Kelley, AIC Services Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of AIC, joins Wendy Ford, AIC Communications Manager, to look ahead to the AIC Dinner & Conference 2026 and explore some of the biggest questions facing the agri-supply chain industry. We discuss how businesses are responding to political change, economic pressure, evolving regulation and shifting markets, as well as the opportunities emerging through trade, investment, changing consumer behaviour and the next generation of talent. We cover: The challenges currently facing agricultural supply businesses, including drought, climate pressures and disruption across supply chains.Why food security is national security and the importance of strong political representation for AIC Members across the UK.How a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary agreement could create new opportunities for trade, while reducing paperwork, costs and bureaucracy.How changing shopping habits, diets and the use of GLP-1 drugs could influence food demand and decisions further up the supply chain.Why attracting new talent, showcasing the breadth of careers available and improving intergenerational working are essential to the industry’s future. As John Kelley explains, the conference provides an opportunity for delegates to step away from the demands of day-to-day work, consider what is happening at a strategic level and continue important conversations with fellow Members, stakeholders and AIC colleagues. This episode is ideal for AIC Members, agricultural supply businesses, policymakers, stakeholders, students and anyone considering a career in the industry. It offers a preview of the political, economic, market, consumer and workforce issues that will be explored at the conference. The AIC Dinner & Conference 2026 takes place on 11 November at the Holiday Inn West in Peterborough.

  5. Sep 15

    CBAM: How Should Your Business Prepare?

    In this episode, Harriet Trewin and Jo Gilbertson from AIC’s fertiliser sector join Wendy Ford, AIC Communications Manager, to discuss the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and what it could mean for fertiliser businesses, farmers and the wider agricultural supply chain.   We explore why CBAM is being introduced, how it is intended to address carbon leakage and create a fairer balance between UK-produced and imported goods, and why its success will depend on the scheme being practical, predictable and proportionate.   We cover: What the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is, why it is being introduced and the issue of carbon leakage it is intended to address.Why nitrogen fertilisers fall within CBAM’s scope and how additional carbon-related costs could affect fertiliser pricing, availability and the wider agricultural supply chain. What remains uncertain, including free allowances, default emissions values and the information businesses will need to calculate their potential liability.How businesses can begin preparing by checking commodity codes, establishing who is legally responsible as the importer, improving record-keeping and speaking to suppliers about verified emissions data.How AIC’s CBAM calculator can help Members model different scenarios and develop an indicative range of potential costs while key policy details remain outstanding. As Harriet Trewin explains, “Prepare as much as you can.” Although important details remain uncertain, businesses can take action now to understand their supply chains, gather emissions information and identify where potential risks may arise. This episode is ideal for fertiliser importers, manufacturers, distributors, agricultural businesses and anyone who wants to understand CBAM, its potential implications and the practical steps businesses can take ahead of its planned introduction on 1 January 2027.

  6. Sep 7

    You Can't Manage What You Don't Measure: Why Accurate Forage Analysis Matters

    In this episode, Sarah-Jane Godfrey, AIC Technical Manager, talks all things ⁠Forage Analysis Assurance (FAA) Group ⁠as she tells us about the importance of accurate, consistent and reliable forage analysis, and the role the Group plays in supporting livestock nutrition across the UK and Ireland. We cover: What the FAA Group is, why it was established, and how it works to improve the accuracy, consistency and reliability of forage analysis.How the FAA Group's proficiency testing scheme helps maintain high laboratory standards through independent benchmarking and continuous improvement.Why accurate forage analysis is essential for informed ration formulation, livestock performance, feed efficiency and farm profitability.How laboratories, nutritionists and farmers benefit from greater confidence in forage analysis results and the transparent publication of laboratory performance grades.The role of forage testing in helping livestock producers make better use of home-grown forages, improve resource efficiency and support more sustainable farming systems. As Sarah-Jane explains, "You can't manage what you don't measure," highlighting why reliable forage analysis remains a fundamental tool for livestock businesses. This episode is ideal for livestock producers, nutritionists, feed advisers, forage specialists and anyone involved in ruminant nutrition who wants to better understand the science, quality assurance and practical value of forage analysis.

  7. Aug 3

    Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) at 20: Supply Chain Safety and Compliance

    Recorded earlier in 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the FIAS Scheme, in this episode of The AIC Podcast, AIC Technical Manager Roberta Reeve discusses the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS), its role in supporting safe and secure fertiliser supply, and what Participants need to know to stay compliant. We cover: What FIAS is, why it was created, and how it helps manage safety and security risks across the fertiliser supply chain.How the Scheme supports public and regulatory confidence by ensuring fertilisers are supplied, handled, stored and traced safely.Why FIAS applies across all fertiliser types, not just higher-risk products such as ammonium nitrate.Common areas where Participants can face challenges, including internal audits, management review meetings and training records.Practical support available through the FIAS website, including template documents, training videos and FIAS e-learning.Good practice tips for embedding the FIAS Standard into day-to-day business operations and preparing for audits throughout the year.The Scheme’s 20th anniversary, its role in supporting safe fertiliser handling, and the planned implementation of the updated FIAS Standard in October 2026. This episode is ideal for FIAS Participants, fertiliser businesses, merchants, transport operators, stores, product sales teams and others involved in the fertiliser supply chain who want clear, practical guidance on assurance, compliance, safety and security.

  8. Jul 22 ·  Bonus

    Deforestation Regulation: Is Your Supply Chain Ready for What Comes Next?

    In this episode, AIC Head of Policy and External Affairs EdBarker and AIC Head of Animal Feed James McCulloch discuss the latest developments in UK and EU deforestation policy and what they mean for agricultural supply chains.   We cover: The latest updates to EUDR and what businesses should know ahead of implementation. What EUDR means for Northern Ireland, including regulatory oversight, supply chain challenges and the practical implications for importers and feed businesses. The UK Government's plans for a Great Britain Forest Risk Commodity (GBFRC) regime and how it could differ from, or align with, EUDR requirements. Key questions around compliance, due diligence, imports, enforcement, competitiveness and the treatment of products linked to forest-risk commodities. How AIC is working with government, Northern Ireland authorities and industry partners to help shape policy and support Members as further details emerge. This episode is ideal for feed businesses, commoditytraders, importers, merchants, processors and others involved in agricultural supply chains who want to understand the latest regulatory developments on deforestation, trade and supply chain compliance.

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The AIC Podcast is a monthly show delivering clear insights, expert perspectives, and practical guidance to help the agri-supply sector understand how the UK supply chain really works. Each episode focuses on either how the supply chain operates, a key issue shaping the sector, or an in‑depth look at an AIC Assurance Scheme, with AIC Technical Managers explaining what Participants need to know, common compliance pitfalls, and key steps. Designed to be informative, accessible, and relevant, it’s the go‑to podcast for anyone working across the agricultural and agri‑supply industries in the UK.

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