MULTIPLE farm audits are to be eliminated for cereal growers who have other enterprises such as growing vegetables, fruit and potatoes, following an agreement by Scottish Quality Crops.

Currently farmers who grow cereals in Scotland mainly have their crop audited to the Scottish Quality Crops Assurance scheme, and their fresh produce audited to the Red Tractor Scheme and other linked schemes, resulting in two separate farm audits and inspections in many cases.

To escape this double-bind, some Scottish cereal growers who also grow fresh produce have already opted to have their cereals audited under the Red Tractor's combinable crops scheme, and thus achieve a single farm visit. To stop this leakage from the Scottish scheme, SQC has now, with the full support of the Red Tractor organisers, agreed its own single audit deal.

SQC chairman Andrew Moir said: “Multiple farm audits absorb farmer’s valuable time; this new deal brokered by SQC will allow all crop schemes to be covered by a single audit.

“I believe the SQC logo showing the marque of Scottish Quality standards will enhance and assist in promoting Scottish crops both here and abroad.”

NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie commented: “As farmers we have to work hard to achieve farm assurance accreditation. Farm assurance is a testament to the quality of products produced on Scottish farms.

“No farmer wants more inspections than absolutely necessary so this move by SQC will be welcomed. A single inspection for growers can now deliver SQC and Red Tractor Assurance.

“The Union is working with SQC to ensure that the supply chain values our provenance story and the effort we put in to deliver farm assurance," he added.