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1) How long have you been involved with the Warburtons contract growing scheme?
I
have been part of the scheme since it started in 1998, Harvest 2005 will be the
8th year of growing wheat for Warburtons. 2) How would you describe Warburtons
quality standards? Warburtons requires the very best quality wheat,
failure to meet the minimum specification results in the crop’s rejection from
the scheme. This partnership is unique in the UK as Warburtons is the only Baker
contracting its wheat supply direct with the producers. This has benefits to both
parties in guaranteeing continuity of supply and control over the supply chain
for Warburtons whilst on the other side guaranteeing an income for the producer
which provides a sustainable return. 3) How do you ensure that the wheat
produced for Warburtons meets the highest quality standards? Our production
and storage of the crop is audited by an independent quality assurance scheme
to ensure we comply with minimum standards. 4) How do you strive to achieve
continuous improvement? Centaur Grain Marketing measure our performance
right the way through from our administration/record keeping to our production
and storage capabilities. The higher the score the greater the tonnage we can
grow on the contract for the following year, therefore encouraging us to raise
our standards year on year. Centaur Grain has also been investigating
the relationship between the timing of fertilizer applications and their effect
on bread making quality through extensive independent trials. The results and
recommendations of which form part of our contractual obligations thus ensuring
Warburtons receives better bread making wheat. | 
