February 26, 2010

UK launches scheme to cut red tape for pig, poultry farmers

An initiative to cut red tape and reduce costs for pig and poultry farmers has been launched by the NFU and the Environment Agency.

The farm assurance scheme for pig and poultry producers who are regulated through the Environmental Permitting Regulations will save around GBP850 on Environment Agency charges per farm.

The scheme has been developed with Assured Food Standards and with the support of the National Pig Association, the British Poultry Council and the British Egg Industry Council. Under the scheme, only one inspection per year will be conducted instead of three, for farmers who qualify by achieving a high standard of compliance under their permit.

Meanwhile, certification bodies, trained by the Environment Agency, will carry out the inspections as an adjunct to the audits for Red Tractor farm assurance.