NFU concern about competence certificates

The NFU is expressing concern about the cost of obtaining the certificates of competence that, from January 05, 2008, farmers and livestock keepers who transport live animals over distances greater than 65 km (40 miles) will be legally obliged to hold.

These certificates must be held by individuals, unlike Transporter Authorisations which are held by the farm or haulage business.

NFU chairman for the North West, Alistair Mackintosh, wanted the competence test to be part of the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme but his suggestions fell upon deaf ears.

"Both the NFU and Assured British Meat (ABM) had originally hoped that assurance inspections could cover the requirements needed for the certificates to avoid the need for a separate test," said Mr Mackintosh.

"However, the requirements for the assessment of competence, set by Defra, are too onerous and costly for ABM to justify and would result in extra cost with no additional benefit for assured farmers. This now means that the only way that members can acquire their certificates is to sit an NPTC test."

NFU North West's environment and land use adviser, Helen Little, added: "There is no legal requirement for those sitting the test to undergo formal training although some may wish to do this. However, the test is relatively straightforward for those with practical experience of livestock transport and a basic understanding of the relevant legislation. The NFU is providing 'Need to know' training sheets for those who feel it would help to prepare them for the test. Members should contact their local NFU office for more information."

Certificates of competence are obtained by sitting a short, multiple-choice NPTC test at one of the many colleges or NPTC test centres around the country. The cost of taking the test is decided by the colleges and test centres.