Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) chief executive, Colin Smith, has noted the recommendations of a farm quality assurance review body.
The work, which was established by the UK farming unions, in tandem with the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), was recently conducted on an independent basis by four commissioners.
They undertook a review of the various farm quality assurance schemes that currently operate across the UK.
The commissioners concluded that farm assurance is critical to the industry’s future and is delivering necessary assurances on quality to consumers.
Their recommendations include the simplification of farm audits, the embracing of new technologies and farmers having a key role in the determination of future standards.
The commissioners’ report also calls for greater collaboration between farm assurance schemes across the UK and improved levels of communication with farmers.
LMC response
Chief executive of LMC Colin Smith has responded by pointing to the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBLFQAS) playing a very important role at the very heart of our the meat sector.
“The report’s confirmation of the key input made by farm assurance in delivering for both farmers and consumers is to be welcomed,” he said.
“It’s also important to point out that the UK’s food retail sector had not called for a review of the current schemes.
“This means that the current farm assurance measures are fit for purpose when it comes to communicating the provenance of the beef and lamb produced on farms throughout the UK.”
Farm quality assurance review
The LMC chief confirmed that the thrust of the recommendations contained within the commissioners’ report have already been recognised by the industry board of NIBLFQAS and are under continuous review.
“All measures of the type established to deliver farm quality assurance must be allowed to evolve. So, e.g., the use of technology is a must, as is a reduction in the amount of red tape confronting beef and sheep producers.
“Farmers must be allowed to go about their business in the most effective way possible,” he added.
Colin Smith went on to confirm that communicating with farmers and fully recognising their input when it comes to delivering effective farm assurance has been, and always will be, a priority in Northern Ireland.
“Ulster Farmers’ Union [UFU], National Beef Association, National Sheep Association and Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association representatives comprise 50% of the farm quality assurance board,” he continued.
“As a result, farm stakeholder bodies are at the very heart of all the decisions taken in delivering a farm assurance scheme that fully recognises the structure of the local beef and sheep sectors.
“And this is the way it should be. The report has outlined that there are lessons to be learned from the devolved nations where schemes work better together and where they have a more constructive relationship with farmers.
“LMC operates the beef and lamb farm quality assurance scheme on behalf of the entire livestock sector. The membership fees paid by farmers are fundamentally important in terms of its funding.”
