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5.3.1.3 Measures aimed at improving the quality of agricultural production and products

5.3.1.3.2 Participation of farmers in food quality schemes

MEMBERSHIP OF FOOD QUALITY ASSURANCE SCHEMES (Land Managers Options)

Article 20(c)(ii)

Measure Code (132)

Rationale for Intervention

The production of quality products is the cornerstone of A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture. Quality is a key element in ensuring a sustainable and competitive agriculture sector focused on producing premium quality products. Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP) has brought the importance of quality production to the forefront and membership of a quality assurance scheme enables farmers to adapt to a decoupled situation more easily.

Quality assurance schemes were created as a direct result of consumer demand for high quality products. The schemes were not created to provide additional control in respect of obligatory standards or laws.

Objectives

To encourage membership of food quality assurance schemes as a means of developing product quality.

Scope and Actions

Support payments to farmers and crofters who participate in national food quality assurance schemes. Payment will be made annually for membership arising from participation in a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme. Support is not available through this measure for actions which are needed by the participant to bring their facilities and procedures up to the scheme standard. The participant must fund improvements themselves or through other mechanisms.

The payment will be available annually to farmers and crofters participating in a quality assurance scheme and it will be a one off payment. An invoice will be required as evidence of membership of an accredited scheme. Inspections must review the paperwork of the accredited scheme. Joining fees and ongoing membership costs will be reimbursed at the rate of 50%, up to a maximum of €219. A farmer can join more than one quality assurance scheme per year.

The maximum level of payment and rate of contribution were set after discussions with stakeholders. It was felt that a 50% contribution would encourage farmers to join quality assurance schemes which is something that the Executive has encouraged through its Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture. The 50% contribution by the farmer will encourage buy-in to the quality assurance concept by the farmer.

Definition of Beneficiaries

Land managers.

List of Community and National quality schemes eligible for support

• Lion Eggs: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.
• Linking Environment and Farming ( LEAF) marque: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.
• Freedom Foods: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.
• Scottish Organic Producers Certification Scheme: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.
• Soil Association Assurance Scheme: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.
• Organic Farmers and Growers - Organic Assurance Scheme: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.
• Biodynamic Agricultural Association: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.
• Organic Food Federation: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.
• Scottish Quality Wild Venison Assurance Scheme: Payment rate of 50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €219.

The above schemes are all certified at EN45011 level. If further schemes are established, that operate throughout Scotland and that meet the EN45011 standards and satisfy the requirements of the RDR, they may be added to the list of eligible schemes through a notification on the Programme.

Justification of the fixed costs - This applies to all of the above schemes.

Quality assurance schemes are voluntary schemes which verify through regular independent inspections that farmers and growers are meeting certain standards of production. Quality assurance schemes already exist across all production sectors in Scotland. These schemes were established due to a market opportunity for farmers to show consumers that their products are high quality and being produced above legal minimum requirements. Quality assurance schemes were also encouraged through the Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture.

In 2003, the Scottish Executive commissioned independent research to consider public perceptions of food and farming in Scotland. The research looked at a range of topics including quality assurance. The research showed that 37% of consumers sought information about whether the product was quality assured when purchasing fresh meat products. The research also showed that, when purchasing beef, 27% of shoppers considered origin and 17% considered the production method.

Member State recognition

Article 32(1)(b) of the Rural Development Regulation 1698/2005 requires the food quality schemes to be Community schemes, or schemes that are recognised by the Member State and which comply with specified criteria, in order to be eligible for support.

Where the schemes are not Community food quality schemes, such recognition can be found in a number of Scottish strategic policy documents. In Scotland, we implement our strategic commitments by recognising quality assurance schemes which are operated according to EN45011 standards and accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service ( UKAS).

UKAS is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators.

UKAS is a non-profit-distributing company, limited by guarantee, and operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government. The MoU was originally signed following the setting up of UKAS in 1995, but Appendix 1 is regularly reviewed and updated to cover the activities to which the recognition applies. These activities are normally described through reference to specific International, European or British standards.

Accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service ( UKAS) is the key to ensuring that consumers, suppliers, purchasers and specifiers can have confidence in the quality of goods and in the provision of services throughout the supply chain.

The recognition that this MoU provides demonstrates the national recognition that UKAS enjoys, which is essential for membership of the European co-operation for Accreditation ( EA) and the international associations of national accreditation bodies.

The certification bodies which are accredited to EN45011- General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems by UKAS which certify eligible schemes under this measure are listed below:

• CMi certification Limited
• National Britannia certification Limited
• Product Authentication Inspectorate Limited(trading as Product Authentication International)
• SAI Global Assurance Services Limited trading as EFSIS
• Scottish Food Quality Certification Limited

Independence of the inspection bodies

The EN45011 standard provides assurance of the independence of the inspection body, through UKAS accreditation, as required by Article 32(1)(b). The main principles UKAS adheres to in providing assurances to national and internationally recognised standards are independence, third party check of standards and written procedures. Consequently, the organisations which own the quality assurance schemes ( i.e. the standard setting bodies) must be separate from the inspection bodies.

Responding to market opportunities

Standard setting committees are a common feature of quality assurance schemes. They provide a mechanism to keep the standards under review. The aim of such reviews is to ensure the scheme continues to reflect new industry and consumer concerns in a changing marketplace. New standards may consequently be added or existing standards increased in scope and/or stringency. This mechanism also ensures that new legislation is incorporated in the future.

Organic schemes

Specific examples of characteristics of the production process have not been provided for the organic certification schemes as these standards are based on European legislation.

Applicants participating in the Organic Aid Scheme or receiving funding through the new conversion and maintenance of organic farming measure cannot receive funding towards membership of any of the organic schemes listed here.

Lions Quality Code of Practice for Eggs

(a) the specificity of the final product produced under such schemes shall be derived from detailed obligations on farming methods that guarantee:

(i) specific characteristics including the production process; or

(ii) a quality of final product that goes significantly beyond the commercial commodity standards as regards public, animal or plant health, animal welfare or environmental protection;

The Lion mark was introduced on egg boxes in November 1998 to denote eggs produced to a stringent new Code of Practice incorporating the latest research and advice on Salmonella and eggs from scientists and vets.

(b) the schemes involve binding product specifications and compliance with those specifications shall be verified by an independent inspection body;

Latest salmonella controls, in the Lion Code of Practice, which are additional to current legislation, include:

• All hens producing Lion Quality eggs must have been vaccinated against Salmonella Enteritidis.
• All Lion Quality eggs have a 'best before' date on the box and on the egg itself, which shows that they are fresher than required by law.
• There are increased hygiene controls and Salmonella testing right through the production system.
• The Code also incorporates higher standards of animal welfare than required by law.
• The Lion Code of Practice includes stringent feed controls, including production of feed to UKAS standards and the banning of growth promoters and canthaxthin.
• In January 2000 the Lion mark was also re-introduced onto the shells of eggs produced under the Lion Code of Practice.
• The Lion Quality mark on eggs and egg packs is an assurance that the eggs have been produced to standards of hygiene and animal welfare greater than those required by UK or EU law.
• The Lion Quality mark is a registered trademark and can only be used by BEIC on egg shells and egg boxes which have been produced in accordance with the Lion Code of Practice and UK and EU law.
• The Lion Code of Practice is monitored by an independent agency. Farms and packing stations are audited annually.

(c) the schemes involve binding product specifications and compliance with those specifications shall be verified by an independent inspection body;

Are the product specifications binding for the producer?

Yes. 100% of participants are inspected annually.

What is the name of the independent inspection body?

National Britannia is the approved certification body for this scheme

How its independence is assured?

The scheme is accredited to EN45011 standard.

(d) the schemes shall be open to all producers

The scheme is open to all egg producers.

(e) the scheme shall be transparent and assure complete traceability of the products

A registration and 'passport' system ensures complete traceability of Lion Quality eggs, hens and feed.

(f) the schemes shall respond to current or foreseeable market opportunities.

The scheme is updated annually to take account of any changes to legislation.

Linking Environment and Farming ( LEAF) Marque

(a) the specificity of the final product produced under such schemes shall be derived from detailed obligations on farming methods that guarantee:

(i) specific characteristics including the production process; or

(ii) a quality of the final product that goes significantly beyond the commercial commodity standards as regards public, animal or plant health, animal welfare or environmental protection:

LEAF Marque standards are applied to the whole farm, under the management of the member's business; this includes land that is let and land that is rented (standards apply to the business's areas of responsibilities).

As a fully integrated scheme, members must demonstrate continual environmental improvement through their land management practices across the whole farm. The environment includes key resources and specifically soil, water, biodiversity and air quality. Members of the scheme are assessed according to their: organization and planning; soil management and crop nutrition; crop protection; pollution control and waste management; energy and water efficiency; wildlife and landscape; animal husbandry and the environment.

To qualify to use the LEAF Marque Logo the business must comply fully with all the Critical Failure Points ( CFP) set out within the standards by an independent Technical Advisory Committee and only after inspection and certification by an authorised inspection and certification body that has issued the farm a certificate. Examples of CFP's are set out below.

A LEAF Marque certificate covers the production Unit in totality and is not limited to defined crops or enterprises within the farming business.

Standards for LEAF Marque and examples of farming methods guaranteeing the specific characteristics:

Organisation and planning

Example: You must develop from your Environmental Policy a documented plan that sets out your short term and long term (1 to 5 years) environmental objectives. The plan must include aspects such as energy, water, pollution and other aspects of the business that impact on the environment. This must also include non-food enterprises that impact on the business. The LEAF Audit business assessment sets targets for action and performance profile which can form the basis for this plan. It must also be integrated with the whole farm conservation plan.

Evidence: Check plan includes aspects such as energy, water, pollution and other aspects of the business that impact on the environment.

Soil management and crop nutrition

Example: To ensure that nutrients are optimised for crop performance and environmental impact you must have in place a comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan. This must also integrate with your Manure Management Plan for FYM / slurry and other organic fertilisers e.g. treated sewage sludge, if applicable. The plan must include calculations of likely crop use and available nutrients from soil, organic manure's and crop residues. To avoid nitrate-leaching, aim to establish the next crop as early as possible after ploughing. Grass reseeds should be done with the minimum amount of soil disturbance, and aim for grass cover to be established by early October.

Evidence: Check plan for relevance and adherence and that it takes account of NPK and minor nutrient applications. Check that reviews are being carried out.

Crop protection

Example: Good crop protection practice is based on understanding the interactions of processes and using this understanding to aid crop protection. To enable clear direction and communicate your intentions you must develop a crop protection policy. Integrated Farm Management ( IFM) must be a core theme of the policy and incorporate integrated pest management ( IPM).

Evidence: Crop protection policy must include, selection of varieties resistant to pest and diseases, cultivation's, product selection, appropriate dose rate, a resistance management strategy and selection of pesticides to reduce effect on beneficial species, where appropriate.

Pollution control and waste management

Example: You must prepare and implement a Manure Management Plan. This must be compatible with the Nutrient Management Plan.

Evidence: This plan must include slurry, manure and industrial wastes for incorporation. Check records for evidence of Plan and field applications. Note: land spreading of industrial wastes (other than sewage sludge), needs to be registered with the relevant environment agency or authority if appropriate. This may be N/A if manure, slurry, industrial wastes, compost and other organic materials are not used.

Energy and water efficiency

Example: All farms must complete an audit covering fuel, heating and lighting use, and identify ways (and targets) for reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources. The audit must be reviewed every year.

Evidence: Check audit for completion /review/action.

Wildlife and landscape

Example: You must have a clearly defined policy and plan for the conservation and management of wildlife habitats and biodiversity, and archaeological sites, on your farm. This must include all the key environmental features.

Evidence: there must be a positive attempt by the farmer to address wildlife conservation on the farm through the preparation of a whole farm conservation plan (map and text based) that clearly identifies the necessary action required to conserve and enhance biodiversity and landscapes on the farm, and the protection and maintenance of archaeological or historical sites. The plan (and audit) should ideally be completed or reviewed by a specialist advisor and must be regularly reviewed (at least every five years by the specialist advisor) and every year by the farmer.

Animal husbandry and the environment

Example: You must aim to have at least 4 months storage for slurry unless your manure management plan has identified that less is needed. You must maintain sufficient freeboard in storage facilities to avoid structural failure or overtopping. You must contain run-off from FYM on hard-standings or yards where pollution of water is at risk.

Evidence: Check animal manure and or slurry store for potential overspill and pollution risk. Ask for number of days' capacity. Check run off from animal manure on hard standings and yards.

If the farmer meets the required standards under these headings he is able to use the certification mark on his produce.

(b) the schemes involve binding product specifications and compliance with those specifications shall be verified by an independent inspection body;

Are the product specifications binding for the producer?

Yes, inspections are carried out annually.

What is the name of the independent inspection body?

There are 5 inspection bodies for this scheme: EFSIS Ltd (Now SAI Global Ltd), National Britannia Certification Ltd, PAI Certification Ltd, CMi Certification Ltd and SFQC Ltd. All are UKAS accredited to EN45011 for LEAF Marque.

How its independence is assured?

EFSIS Ltd (Now SAI Global Ltd), National Britannia Certification Ltd, PAI Certification Ltd, CMi Certification Ltd and SFQC Ltd have all been awarded accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service to EN45011 for LEAF Marque.

A technical advisory committee comprising key environmental, farming government and consumer representation, including retailers, RSPB and WWF, review the standard throughout the year to account for legislative changes and technical or scientific developments. The reviewed standard is launched on the 1 ^st January each year. This standard is freely available on the LEAF website www.leafmarque.com

(c) the schemes shall be open to all producers

The scheme is open to all producers that meet the standards. This includes all community members. The standards are available in English, French and Spanish.

(d) the scheme shall be transparent and assure complete traceability of the products

How the transparency of the scheme is assured?

Information and scheme standards are freely available on the website http://www.leafmarque.com/leaf/producers. LEAF Marque is UKAS accredited.

How the complete traceability of the products is assured?

The LEAF Marque is the consumer's assurance that the producer operates their business and production processes to the LEAF Integrated Farm Management principles and to high environmental standards. In addition to the logo itself, products have a LEAF track number which allows consumers to enter the number on the website which will display the producer's details. LEAF also actively encourages consumers to visit demonstration farms throughout the community.

(e) the schemes shall respond to current or foreseeable market opportunities.

The standards which farmers need to meet are reviewed annually. The breadth and strength of representation on the Technical Advisory Committee allow the scheme to anticipate any current of foreseeable market opportunities or technical or scientific development. There is the capacity to amend the standards at any time and inform members.

Freedom Foods

(a) the specificity of the final product produced under such schemes shall be derived from detailed obligations on farming methods that guarantee:

(i) specific characteristics including the production process; or

(ii) a quality of final product that goes significantly beyond the commercial commodity standards as regards public, animal or plant health, animal welfare or environmental protection;

Freedom Food is the RSPCA's farm assurance and food labelling scheme, set up by the RSPCA in 1994. The aim is to improve the lives of farm animals. It works towards this by implementing the RSPCA species specific welfare standards on farms, hauliers and abattoirs across the country. These practical standards apply to both indoor and outdoor systems, as long as they meet the requirements

The RSPCA's set of farm animal welfare standards have been devised by the society's experienced animal welfare specialists in consultation with veterinary experts and the industry. The standards are based on concept of the five freedom's as defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council:

• Freedom from fear and distress;
• Freedom from hunger and thirst;
• Freedom from discomfort;
• Freedom from pain injury and disease; and
• Freedom to express normal behaviour.

Specific examples

a) Poultry housing for laying hens

Example - Where any poultry are housed they must be kept on, or have access at all times to, well-maintained litter and to a well-drained area for resting, except in the case of up to 7 days after entering the unit when birds are being trained to use the nest boxes and are held on the slatted area away from the litter. The litter must:

• be of a suitable material and particle size
• be managed to maintain it in a dry, friable condition (and replaced where necessary)
• be of a sufficient depth for dilution of faeces
• allow birds to dust bathe
• be topped up daily, if necessary, with fresh litter
• be managed hygienically.

There must be at least 250cm ² littered area per bird, the litter occupying at least one third of the ground surface. Litter must be maintained at a minimum depth of 5cm.

Where birds have access to litter on a veranda, the following applies:

• birds must have free access to litter for at least the light period
• where access between the main part of the house and the veranda is via popholes, these must be provided
• according to the minimum specification required for birds having access to range
• if birds are denied access to the litter during the dark hours, the stocking density within the house must never exceed 15.5 birds per m2.

The lighting system in the hen house must provide in each period of 24 hours:

• a minimum period of 8 hours continuous light, by the provision of either artificial light or access to daylight
• a minimum period of 6 hours continuous darkness in every 24 hour cycle, except when the natural darkness period is shorter.

b) Poultry stocking density

Example - All hens must have sufficient freedom of movement to be able, without difficulty, to stand normally, turn around and stretch their wings.

All hens must have sufficient space to be able to perch or sit quietly without repeated disturbance.

The stocking density must not exceed 9 laying hens per m2 of usable area.

Nest areas (including nest tops) must not be included as part of the calculated floor area.

The following maximum flock and colony sizes must be adopted:

Barn max flock size 32,000 birds
max colony size 4,000 birds
Free-range max flock size 16,000 birds
max colony size 4,000 birds

c) Poultry housing air quality

Example - Air quality parameters should be maintained under all foreseeable climatic conditions, below the following levels at bird head height:

Ammonia 25ppm
Carbon dioxide 5000ppm

The measurement for relative humidity should be between 50 and 70 per cent.

Where practically feasible, air quality parameters, i.e. ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc, should be measured and recorded on a weekly basis. Where a level higher than that specified within the standards is recorded, daily recordings should be made until an acceptable level is achieved and maintained.

Where possible, these levels should be automatically recorded and the records made available to the Freedom Food assessor and RSPCA farm livestock officer.

Inhalable dust, carbon monoxide and other aerial contaminants within hen buildings must be kept at levels which comply with COSHH regulations. There must be, averaged over an eight hour period:

a) dust not exceeding 10mg/m ³

b) carbon monoxide not exceeding 50ppm.

Provision must be made to ensure that hens have access to a thermally comfortable environment at all times, so that heat/cold stress does not occur.

(b) the schemes involve binding product specifications and compliance with those specifications shall be verified by an independent inspection body;

Before a farm can join the scheme, a Freedom Food approved assessor must carry out a detailed audit on the farm. Once in the scheme, members are then subject to reassessments. In addition, the RSPCA's Farm Livestock Officers also carry out random spot checks on at least 30% of members annually to help ensure that the standards are adhered to.

(c) the schemes shall be open to all producers

The scheme is open to all livestock producers

(d) how is independence assured

The independent certification body for Freedom Foods is CMi Certification Limited which is UKAS accredited to EN45011 and has held a longstanding accreditation for the standard.

(e) the scheme shall be transparent and assure complete traceability of the products

Consumers can be confident that before products can appear on the supermarket shelves bearing the Freedom Food trademark, traceability must be established through the supply chain.

(f) the schemes shall respond to current or foreseeable market opportunities.

The standards are updated as new research and information is gathered to develop better ways to rear animals.

Scottish Organic Producers Association Scheme
Soil Association Certification Ltd Scheme
Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd - Organic Assurance Scheme
Bio-dynamic Agricultural Association
Organic Food federation

(a) the specificity of the final product produced under such schemes shall be derived from detailed obligations on farming methods that guarantee:

(i) specific characteristics including the production process; or

(ii) a quality of final product that goes significantly beyond the commercial commodity standards as regards public, animal or plant health, animal welfare or environmental protection;

All the organic assurance schemes are based on the Compendium of UK Organic Standards. The Compendium is the standard for organic food production that must be complied with in the UK. It is based on, and complies with, Council Regulation ( EEC) No. 2092/91, as amended.

(b) the schemes involve binding product specifications and compliance with those specifications shall be verified by an independent inspection body;

Scottish Organic Producers Association Scheme

Approved UK Certification Body. SOPA's organic certification scheme is provided members by Scottish Food Quality Certification Ltd ( SFQC). SFQC Ltd has established its procedures to comply with the requirements of the EN45011 Standard and has been audited by DEFRA to confirm equivalence.

Soil Association Certification Ltd Scheme

Approved UK Certification Body. The Soil Association has established its procedures to comply with the requirements of the EN45011 Standard and has been audited by DEFRA to confirm equivalence.

Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd - Organic Assurance Scheme

Approved UK Certification Body. OF&G has established its procedures to comply with the requirements of the EN45011 Standard and has been audited by DEFRA to confirm equivalence.

Bio-dynamic Agricultural Association

Approved UK Certification Body. The Bio-dynamic Agricultural Association has established its procedures to comply with the requirements of the EN45011 Standard and has been audited by DEFRA to confirm equivalence.

The Organic Food Federation

Approved UK Certification Body. The Organic Food Federation has established its procedures to comply with the requirements of the EN45011 Standard and has been audited by DEFRA to confirm equivalence.

(c) the schemes shall be open to all producers

The schemes are open to all producers who wish to be organic.

(d) the scheme shall be transparent and assure complete traceability of the products

The schemes ensure full traceability of the products. This is based on the Compendium of UK Organic Standards.

(e) the schemes shall respond to current or foreseeable market opportunities.

Each of the schemes standards are updated to comply with changes to legislation and other technical issues.

Scottish Quality Wild Venison

(a) the specificity of the final product produced under such schemes shall be derived from detailed obligations on farming methods that guarantee:

(i) specific characteristics including the production process

Standards for wild venison production and examples of slaughtering and processing methods guaranteeing the specific characteristics.

The definition of 'Wild' applies to managed populations of deer living within an enclosed territory (such as forests, hills or parkland) under conditions of freedom.

The term does not apply to deer which are bred, reared and slaughtered in captivity.

Wild deer are the ultimate free range animals. They have wide-ranging diets and need to be fit to survive. As a result Wild Venison is :-

• Low in Fat & a good source of iron
• 100% Natural & Free Range
• Cholesterol Free & High in Omega 3 oils

The flavour of venison depends on the age and health of the animal as well as how long it is hung. Estate hung game usually has a more robust flavour than farmed venison. It can be more tender too as hanging helps to break down the flesh.

Proficiency of stalkers and keepers, permit stalkers, unaccompanied tenants, unaccompanied contractors and accompanied tenants/guests.

Example: All venison supplied under this standard must be culled by, or culling supervised by, a trained hunter according to requirements of current food hygiene legislation. Additionally these persons must hold a relevant qualification e.g. Deer Stalker Certificate ( DSC) Level 1 and 2.

Dispatch and transport to Larder

Example: Stalkers must observe the behaviour of deer prior to culling, record any suspected abnormal behaviour on cull sheets and inform the Divisional Veterinary Manager of this information.

Example: All Vehicles used for transport must be kept clean and hygienic between loads in compliance with the hygiene hazard assessment plan.

• They must be designed, constructed and maintained to enable venison to be transported in a hygienic condition and to minimise the risk of deterioration of carcases in transit.
• Other game must only be transported in separate compartments from the deer
• Dogs and equipment must be transported separately
• Appropriate washing/hygiene facilities must be carried in all vehicles. All waste must be stored in an impervious bag and disposed of in an approved manner
• Blood trays must be used in all vehicles which do not have purpose built washable floors.

Larder Work and Primary Processing Standards

Example: Larder records for all carcases must be maintained, including records of losses from disease and post mortem results. Larder records must demonstrate traceability by recording a dedicated label number, where the deer was shot, the date and time of the cull and date and time of entry into larder and chiller unit, for each carcase.

Example: Dressing, Classification and chilling:

• Carcases must be clearly identified using the SQWV labelling system
• The sides must not be dispatched or further processed until the deep muscle temperature is in the range of 0ûC to +7ûC.
• The chilling process must be demonstrable to the inspectorate and be verified daily by monitoring. Results must be documented and signed off by a nominated individual.
• The chilling equipment and spacing of the sides must ensure a good drying airflow around the sides.

Health and hygiene

Example: All parts of the premises and the equipment must be kept clean and tidy. Daily or more frequent cleaning is required in all working areas to ensure that they are maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.

Quality system requirements

Example: Control of Non- conforming products

• Approved Primary Processors must nominate a responsible person(s) with appropriate knowledge and experience and the necessary authority to decide the action to be taken in cases where product does not conform to the product specification or have been subject to a failure of process standards defined in these standards.
• Non -conforming products must not carry the Certification Mark nor must they be knowingly delivered or sold under description, direct or implied indicating that they have been produced in accordance with the requirements of the certification Scheme and that they conform to the Standards required by the Scheme.
• Non-conforming products must be identified and segregated and may be regarded for alternative use or if unfit for human consumption they must be disposed of safely and in accordance with relevant regulations covering the disposal of unfit products.
• Records must be kept detailing non-conforming product and appropriate preventative action.

(b) the schemes involve binding product specifications and compliance with those specifications shall be verified by an independent inspection body;

Are the product specifications binding for the producer?

Yes, 100% of sites are inspected and assessed every 18 months.

What is the name of the independent inspection body?

SFQC operates the certification system for the Scottish Quality Wild Venison Assurance Scheme on behalf of Scottish Quality Wild Venison. The certification system is an independent third party system for determining conformity with product standards.

How its independence is assured?

SFQC is UKAS accredited to EN45011 and has held a longstanding accreditation for the standard.

(c) the schemes shall be open to all producers

The scheme is open to all wild venison producers.

(d) the scheme shall be transparent and assure complete traceability of the products

How the transparency of the scheme is assured?

The certification system requires examination of product, the production process, the production environment and assessment of the quality management system all to ensure complete traceability of the products. Information and scheme standards are available on the website ( www.sqwv.co.uk).

How the complete traceability of the products is assured?

Traceability of the product is guaranteed through labelling with the approved scheme mark.

(e) the schemes shall respond to current or foreseeable market opportunities.

A Technical Advisory Committee monitors and sets the standards for the Scheme.

Amount of support for each eligible scheme

The maximum amount of support for participation in food quality assurance schemes will be €3,000/year.

Transition arrangements (including estimated support)

None

^ Non-lead baseline objective indicator.
# Impact indicators will be estimated based on output and result indicators

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