The AIC Podcast — UK Agri‑Supply Chain Insights

In this episode, Sue Whittington, AIC Technical Manager, and James McCulloch, AIC Head of Animal Feed, to take a closer look at the AIC Sustainable Commodities Scheme (ASCS) and what it means for the UK feed supply chain.The conversation explains, in clear and practical terms, why the scheme has been developed, how it supports deforestation‑free sourcing of key commodities such as soya and palm, and how it helps AIC Members meet evolving market expectations and regulatory requirements, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The episode also explores how the scheme works in practice across different parts of the supply chain, from importers and traders through to compound feed manufacturers. This episode is ideal for businesses involved in feed and wider agricultural supply chains who need to understand how deforestation due diligence, chain of custody and sustainability requirements are changing, and how a single, independently verified scheme can help streamline reporting and support continued market access. For further guidance and additional resources, listeners can refer to AIC Member Communications and the AIC website.

In this episode, Hazel Doonan, AIC Head of Crop Protection and Agronomy, takes a closer look at the implications of the UK–EU reset for Great Britain’s crop production and supply chains. The conversation explains, in clear and practical terms, how proposed Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) alignment could affect the approval and availability of plant protection products (PPPs), changes to maximum residue levels (MRLs), and what this means for growers, agronomists and distributors across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This episode is ideal for listeners involved in UK agricultural supply chains who needs to understand how evolving UK–EU regulatory relationships may affect practical farming decisions. For those looking for further guidance and timely updates on this evolving situation, additional resources are available through AIC Member Communications and the AIC website.

In this second part of this two‑part episode, Ed Barker, AIC Head of Policy and External Affairs, and James McCulloch, AIC Head of Feed, move beyond the global context and focus on what the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) means in practice for the UK supply chain.The conversation explores the UK’s developing approach to deforestation‑free regulation, how it aligns with or diverges from the EU’s EUDR framework, and the unique position of Northern Ireland, which remains directly in scope.Ed and James unpack current policy signals, expected timelines, and the practical realities businesses need to prepare for, including traceability requirements, due diligence obligations, and evolving customer expectations across retail, processing, and feed manufacturing.Ideal for listeners seeking clear, practical guidance on navigating EUDR requirements, this discussion helps build understanding of the UK’s emerging deforestation‑free rules and what feed and agri‑supply businesses should be preparing for next.

In this first episode of a two-part series, Ed Barker, AIC Head of Policy and External Affairs, and James McCulloch, AIC Head of Feed, unpack the fundamentals of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a pivotal regulatory development influencing the agri food sector and global agricultural supply chains. Focusing on the agri food supply in the UK, we explore what the EUDR means for the UK feed and farming sectors.Part 1 covers the essentials of sustainable sourcing and feed supply chains: where the UK currently sources its soya, why alternative proteins are not yet fully scalable, and the policy frameworks shaping future trade and market access.Ed and James explain what the EUDR actually is, how it interacts with emerging UK legislation, and why these changes matter for importers, feed manufacturers, farmers, and anyone navigating compliance and sustainability in modern agriculture.This episode is ideal for listeners looking for clear, practical insight into EUDR compliance, sustainable soya sourcing, UK feed regulation, and the wider impact on agri‑supply businesses.

The AIC Podcast is here, bringing you clear insights, expert perspectives and practical guidance for the agri‑food supply chain.Our first release is a two‑part special on one of the most significant regulatory changes facing the sector: the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).In Part 1, we break down what EUDR is, why soya matters, and why implementation has proven so challenging.In Part 2, we focus on the UK’s approach, Northern Ireland’s position, and how the AIC Sustainable Commodities Scheme supports members in getting ready.Launching Monday 2 March 2026.Working in support of modern, sustainable, commercial agriculture.