Q: Why QMS Feed Assurance Scheme?

A: The QMS Feed Assurance Scheme has been developed for the feed industry and is an integral part of the whole QMS Assurance chain. The scheme gives QMS an opportunity to implement feed standards relevant to the Scottish position.

Q: Why do I have to join?

A: The QMS Farm Assurance (and Auction Market) Schemes requires its members to source compound and blended feeds, feed materials, feed blocks and mineral/vitamin supplements from a member of the QMS Feed Assurance Scheme. They also recommend producers source nutraceutical products and animal health supplements not requiring VMD licensing e.g. powdered colostrums and mineral boluses from a member of the QMS Feed Assurance Scheme.

Q: How does a farmer know if his merchant/supplier is a member of QMS Feed Assurance Scheme?

A: The QMS website details an up to date list of approved feed members.

Or contact QMS Feed Scheme Manager at SFQC to receive a current list on 0131 335 6602 or use the contact page at the top and fill in your deatials and tell us what you are looking for.

Q: I invoice for the feed only (e.g. no storage & haulier TASCC assured) – Why do I have to join QMS Feed Assurance Scheme?

A: Invoicing for the feed demonstrates a financial transaction and taking responsibility for ownership of the feed. Traceability of the product is important - Can your manufacturer/supplier give complete traceability for every order through to each and every farm?

Q: My premises/company is UFAS approved – Why do I have to join the QMS Feed Assurance Scheme?

A: UFAS approval is the core standard for membership of the QMS Feed Assurance Scheme which requires all feed manufacturers and merchants to be UFAS approved or a proven equivalent standard. It is important that there is a QMS Feed Assurance Scheme as it gives Scotland an opportunity to have the flexibility and control to implement feed standards relevant to the Scottish position.

Q: The products I sell and invoice the farmer are all sourced from UFAS approved manufacturers - Why do I have to join UFAS?

A: Agricultural merchants are recognised as an important link in the animal feed supply chain. UFAS was originally implemented to cover feed manufacturers and blenders and has since been developed to include agricultural merchants. UFAS approval is a core standard of the QMS Feed Assurance Scheme. Information on UFAS can be obtained from AIC (formerly UKASTA) on telephone 01733 385230.

Q: My business is VMD approved – Why do I have to join the QMS Assurance Schemes – Feed?

A: The Veterinary Medicines Regulations come into force on 1 October 2008 and state, amongst other things, that manufacturers and distributors of specified feed additives, premixes and feedingstuffs containing specified feed additives; and premixes and feedingstuffs containing veterinary medicinal products, must be approved by the Secretary of State.  OMS Assurance membership is an integral part of the whole QMS Assurance chain along with farms, auction markets, livestock hauliers and food processors.

Q: Feeding stuffs are a very small portion of my business. I have no premises and invoice only– Do I have to become a member of the QMS Feed Assurance Scheme?

A: Anybody invoicing QMS approved farmers as a supplier of feed needs to be a member the QMS Feed Assurance Scheme. However you could act as an Agent for your manufacturer/supplier and get them to invoice your farmer clients, therefore you would not be required to join the QMS Feed Assurance Scheme. The manufacturer/supplier would then take responsibility and ensure full traceability of their products through to each and every farm.

Q: What are the benefits of being a member of the QMS Assurance Schemes - Feed?

A: To provide assurance and peace of mind to farmers and consumers that all feed inputs are manufactured and supplied by companies adhering to a recognised independently audited standard.

  • A clear demonstration to your customers of your high standards and commitment to the Scottish red meat industry.
  • Recognition on the QMS website that your company is an integral part of the whole QMS Assurance chain.
  • The right to use the QMS logo on company literature, stationary, feed packaging and delivery vehicles.
  • Access to supply feed to the majority of Scottish beef, sheep and pig farmers.
  • The opportunity to influence QMS Feeds policy through the QMS Assurance Schemes – Feed Technical Advisory Committee which includes broad representation from AIC (both manufacturers and merchants), nutraceutical industry, consumer sector and Scottish Agricultural College.