Why join FQAS?
- To widen the marketplace for producers e.g. more and more retailers in both domestic and international markets now require Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb.
- Cost benefits associated with presenting FQA cattle/sheep for slaughter.
- Approved members of FQAS are eligible to use the FQAS logo when marketing product.
- FQAS is a recognised equivalent scheme to Red Tractor and many retailers which use the Red Tractor Logo to market their meat can be readily accessed by NI beef and lamb as a result of this equivalence.
- Provides best practice standards for husbandry, welfare, nutrition and environment. This helps to assist farmers with better record keeping and traceability of inputs.
- Helps to prepare for cross-compliance visits.
- Membership reduces likelihood of selection for statutory inspections for Food and Feed Law.
- We have a dedicated Farm Liaison Service.
- Gives customers assurances about the source of the product and the standards under which the animals have been raised.
- The scheme is represented by all areas of the industry – members of UFU, NIMEA, NBA, NSA, NIAPA, DAERA and LMC all form part of the FQAS Board and Standard Setting Committee.
- Competitive membership fees in comparison with other schemes in GB.
How to join
This form is an application for registration under the Northern Ireland Beef & Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (“the Scheme”).
Please complete this form in BLOCK CAPITALS and submit with the payment. To participate in the Scheme requires full disclosure of all business activities related to the Scheme.
ANY FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS ON THIS APPLICATION MAY RESULT IN WITHDRAWAL OF PARTICIPATION.
If you are applying for more than one Herd/Flock Number to become FQA you must provide documentary evidence that the Herd/Flock Numbers are operated as one business/partnership e.g. correspondence from DAERA or, if this is not applicable, written confirmation from your accountant showing that all relevant Herd/Flock Numbers are operated as one business.
This must be emailed to info@nifcc.co.uk