Vet visits compulsory in updated QMS assurance scheme rules
Scottish beef and lamb farmers in the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) assurance scheme will now be required to have an annual visit from their vet after the levy board revealed an update to the rules.
It has also become compulsory that the annual review of the animal health plan (AHP) and health and performance records is carried out in conjunction with a vet. Previously, both measures were only recommendations.
The QMS assurance scheme is a requirement for all Scottish farmers who sell beef or lamb that carries the premium protected geographical indicator mark.
Compulsory vet visits and health reviews were incorporated into the separate Red Tractor beef and lamb assurance scheme in June 2018.
QMS has also confirmed that after a successful pilot, it will continue to make spot check visits to farms that have failed to meet full compliance in the past.
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