Scottish cereal farmers are about to see an end to multiple farm audits following the forging of a new deal by Scottish Quality Crops (SQC).
The arrangement will affect farmers who have other enterprises such as growing vegetables, fruit and potatoes.
Currently farmers who grow cereals in Scotland mainly have their crop audited to the Scottish Quality Crops Assurance scheme and fresh produce audited to the
Red Tractor Scheme and other linked schemes, resulting, in many cases, in two separate farm audits and inspections.
SQC facilitates cooperation between SQC certification provider, Acoura, and certification and audit business NSF Agriculture Ltd. And it is the aim of SQC to bring back all Scottish cereal growers into the SQC scheme from the Red Tractor Combinable Crops scheme. Red Tractor is in full support of the new SQC agreement.
SQC chairman, Andrew Moir said multiple farm audits absorbed valuable time.
“I believe the SQC logo showing the marque of Scottish quality standards will enhance and assist in promoting Scottish crops both here and abroad,” he said.
NFU Scotland (NFUS) president, Allan Bowie said farmers had to work hard to achieve farm assurance accreditation.
“Farm assurance is a testament to the quality of products produced on Scottish farms. No farmer wants more inspections than absolutely necessary so this move by SQC will be welcomed. A single inspection for growers can now deliver SQC and Red Tractor Assurance,” he said.
“The Union is working with SQC to ensure that the supply chain values our provenance story and the effort we put in to deliver farm assurance.”
