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Farm Quality Assurance Scheme
Beef and lamb have always been produced in Northern Ireland from livestock raised by traditional methods using mainly grass and conserved grass (e.g. silage, hay). This “natural” production is a major asset as consumers become increasingly concerned about how their food is produced.
The Northern Ireland Beef & Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBL FQAS) is concerned with giving assurances to farmers' customers (abattoirs, wholesalers, retailers and consumers) about the quality of the farm on which their beef and lamb has been produced. Farm quality means the scrupulous production methods that are used to ensure uncompromising food safety, high animal welfare and care for the environment. This demonstrates substantial concern for the consumer in producing beef and lamb which is wholesome and free of unnatural substances, thus equating with customer requirements and perceptions.
Participation in the scheme by farmers is voluntary. A specified Product Standard, which goes beyond the relevant, minimum legislation and demands 'best practice' is followed by approved producers. They are regularly inspected by an independent Product Certification Body to ensure that they conform to the standard. The certification body is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service to the European Procedures Standard EN45011.
Full details are given in the following sections.
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