Multiple farm audits will be eliminated for cereal growers who have other enterprises such as growing vegetables, fruit and potatoes following an agreement by Scottish Quality Cereals (SQC).
SQC facilitates cooperation between SQC certification provider, Acoura, and certification and audit business NSF Agriculture Ltd.
Currently farmers who grow cereals in Scotland mainly have their crop audited to the Scottish Quality Crops Assurance scheme and fresh produce audited to the Red Tractor Scheme and other linked schemes resulting in two separate farm audits and inspections in many cases.
A few Scottish cereal growers who also grow fresh produce have opted to have their cereals audited under the Red tractor Scheme to achieve a single farm visit.
Andrew Moir, Chairman of SQC said: "Multiple farm audits absorb farmers' valuable time, this new deal brokered by SQC will allow all crop schemes to be covered by a single audit."
It is the aim of SQC to bring back all Scottish cereal growers into the SQC scheme from the Red Tractor Combinable Crops scheme.
Mr Moir commented: "I believe the SQC logo showing the marque of Scottish Quality standards will enhance and assist in promoting Scottish crops both here and abroad."
Red Tractor is in full support of the new SQC agreement.
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 58 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1175 per head and 261p per kg to average £914 and 218.3p (+0.7p on the fortnight), while 57 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1260 and 259.7p to level at £975.40 and 230.5p (+4.7p). Nine store, B&W bullocks averaged £713 and 140.4p (-4.8p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 799 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £98 per head and 225p per kg to average 187.6p (-11.9p on the week), while 674 prime hoggs peaked at £100 and 174p to level at 142p (-26.4p).
A much smaller show of 1987 cast sheep was forward due to less Muslim demand this week because of Ramadan. Heavy ewes sold to £156 for Texels and averaged £74.82 (-£2.51), while light ewes peaked at £77 for Blackfaces and Lleyns and levelled at £50.26 (-5p). Rams sold to £128 for a Texel and averaged £82.48.
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