Dairy assurance changes necessary for future, says NDFAS
Change because it's needed and not for change's sake - that's the message from the National Dairy Farm Assured Scheme as milk producers across the country receive details of the Third Edition Standards and Guidelines.
Originally developed to address the concerns of all interested parties in the milk supply chain - farmers, processors, retailers and consumers
- the Scheme was designed to achieve this with a straightforward, practical and cost-effective set of standards. Coming into effect on October 1 2004, the third edition contains a number of changes, many of which simply reflect differences and developments in the industry and marketplace since the last revision.
According to Richard Davis, NDFAS chairman, the introduction of the third edition reflects a coming-of-age for NDFAS. "Changes to assurance schemes are never popular, but in producing the third edition we've been very careful to ensure that the revisions are not over-onerous.
"Our technical advisory committee, which includes farmers and vets alongside purchasers, has held a series of consultations with other bodies, including retailers, to produce the new edition," Mr Davis says.
"We've considered carefully all the changes, making sure that each has a valid reason," he says. "For example, following the negotiation of our entry into Assured Food Standards, some changes are needed so that milk remains eligible to use, and to be promoted with, the Little Red Tractor.
"We've also got to reflect innovations like robotic milkers and external silos, and other developments such as the renewed focus on biosecurity.
"Moreover, we're looking to reduce the burden of paperwork wherever possible, for example by ensuring consistency with Beef Assurance schemes to eliminate duplication of effort."
Mr Davis says that although a lot of former 'shoulds' have been upgraded to 'musts', there are some relaxations evident too. "For example, the advisory committee's looked at the frequency of teat-cup liner changes and decided that, as long as they remain in good condition and within the manufacturer's recommendations, the frequency can be reduced."
The imminent introduction of the Single Farm Payment is unlikely to necessitate further revision - the document is already 'future-proofed'. "The introduction of a Manure Management Plan is based on existing legislation and the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice, but such a plan will probably form part of the requirement for cross-compliance," Mr Davis points out.
Producers should have received their copy of the revised Standards and Guidelines by the end of July, but should contact their buyer if it doesn't arrive.
"Producers must remember that it forms a part of the audit and must be available for inspection," Mr Davis advises.
