New test to demonstrate grain traders’ expertise

Online assessment for AIC members will be free and voluntary

An industry-backed proficiency test designed to endorse the professional expertise of those working as grain merchants and traders has been launched by the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).

The initiative has been set up to help companies trading in the area validate the competence of their staff with the aim of gaining the confidence of their farmer customers.

The online learning and assessment tool will cover a range of topics relevant to grain trading – including modules covering key areas such as contracts, crops, regional variations and exports.

Speaking yesterday, the AIC’s cereal and oilseeds sector specialist, Catherine Barrett, said that while the measure was voluntary, passing the assessment would give merchants the means to prove to their customers that their staff were properly trained and up to speed in these key areas.

She added that the collated results could also be used to highlight where more training might be required.

“The industry had been looking for a means of validating the expertise of their staff,” Ms Barrett.

“And while the assessment is free and voluntary, it is available exclusively to AIC members who can use the certificates to help give farmers confidence in their operations.”

Successful completion of the modules in the ‘Developing Standards in On-Farm Grain Trading’ assessment will result in the award of a proficiency certificate which will be valid for three years.

Ms Barrett said the launch of the initiative was also designed to send out a positive message about standards within the trade – and with more than 50 candidates already signed up for the course, uptake was expected to run to several hundred.

The online tool for grain merchants will look at key areas including crops.