PRODUCER LABEL
Initial suggestions by Anna Zakharova (Treasurer)
The producer label is the thing that will benefit most of us directly, so it is important to get it off the ground as soon as possible. The best way forward is keep things as simple as possible initially, adding any necessary complexity later, after discussion with as many members as possible
Initial proposals:
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The main products which will gain value by a Tir Gofal label are beef and lamb, so the label should be restricted to these products to start with.
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Farms who have signed their Tir Gofal management agreement and are members of TGFA are eligible for the label.
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Proof of eligibility could be a photocopy of receipt of the annual Tir Gofal payment (with the financial details covered) for the previous year, since to have obtained the payment, we have to have fulfilled the terms of the management agreement. Dates of any audits could also be included – since this is a helpful double check – and the member should include a statement to the effect that they have fulfilled the terms of the management agreement to the satisfaction of CCW/ Assembly.
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We need to have a logo that is memorable and simply reproduced – this might be worth spending some money on to employ a professional designer.
This leaves a couple of questions:
1. Should any finance required for this come from the membership fees or from an additional fee paid by those wishing to use the label? My feeling is that we should be able to manage it from the membership fee, especially if people are prepared to give time and expertise for nothing. In the first instance we may be able to progress the idea without an additional fee.
2. Should there be a minimum period during which an animal has been on a Tir Gofal farm before it is eligible, if not we need to reflect this in any statement made to the consumer i.e. 'this animal has contributed to the grazing management of of a Tir Gofal farm, encouraging biodiversity in the Welsh countryside… etc.' We need feedback on this.
3. How should we progress forward on other products – pork, poultry, wood, arable etc?
Another thought is that many of us may benefit from a farm sign - rather like the old accredited herd signs - for the farm gate, particularly those members actively involved in tourism or farm gate sales. It would also help to raise our public profile. We should look into producing a clear board, perhaps along the lines of:
Ty Brith
is a Tir Gofal Farm
caring for the natural environment and Welsh farmland
Please contact me to get this project up and running for next years lamb sales!
