Option 8 - Membership of food quality assurance schemes 
What this is about
This option recognises the growing demand for quality produce both in Scotland and internationally. The quality of our produce is a key element in ensuring Scotland has a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector.
What this will achieve
Membership of food quality assurance schemes, certified to EN45011 level, not only improves the quality of our produce but also provides reassurance to consumers that their food is being produced to a high standard.
What you must do
Recognise the importance of high-quality production and become a member of a quality assurance or organic certification scheme.
Who can apply
All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.
How to apply
Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form using the code LMOQAS entering the total applied for under this option. Complete Section 5 giving the details of the individual food quality assurance and organic schemes you wish to apply for.
Eligibility criteria
Support will be available to farmers and crofters who are members of one, or more of the following food quality assurance schemes, providing the schemes have been certified to EN45011 level. If a scheme is not certified by 1 February 2008 its members will be ineligible to receive payment through this option.
The following food quality assurance schemes are eligible for support:
- Lion Eggs
- Linking Environment and Farming ( LEAF) marque
- Freedom Foods
- Scottish Quality Wild Venison Assurance Scheme
- QMS - Quality Meat Assurance Scheme - Cattle and Sheep (NEW)
- QMS - Quality Meat Assurance Scheme - Pigs (NEW)
- Scottish Quality Farm Assured Combinable Crops Scheme (NEW)
The following organic certification schemes are eligible for support:
- Scottish Organic Producers Certification Scheme
- Soil Association Assurance Scheme
- Organic Food Federation
- Organic Farmers and Growers - Organic Assurance Scheme
- Biodynamic Agricultural Association
If you are participating in the Organic Aid Scheme or are receiving funding through the organic conversion and maintenance measure in Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities or join this during the same year, you cannot claim funding for membership of any of the organic schemes listed above.
What costs could be supported
The payment covers the joining fee or ongoing membership subscriptions of a food quality assurance scheme. It will be paid annually as a one off payment.
Also note if you have applied to have a proportion of your membership of LEAF paid as a result of the Business Audit option, then you will only be eligible to receive the certification costs for the LEAF marque under this option.
Rate of support
We will pay 50% of cost up to a maximum of £150 ( except VAT unless you are not registered for VAT). Importantly, you can join more than one quality assurance scheme per year. We will pay up to £150 for each scheme you are a member of.
Evidence
You do not need to submit a claim form or supporting documentation. We will check with the eligible organisations you have listed in your application to confirm your membership.
Inspection/verification
Food quality assurance schemes are verified through regular independent inspections to ensure that farmers and growers are meeting their standards of production. Therefore, you will be expected to keep all relevant paperwork pertaining to the scheme(s) which should be available for inspection at any time.