Q. When will my farm be assessed?
A. Assessments are carried out on an annual basis with a random inbuilt element. At least two week’s notice will be given of any routine on-farm inspection. The right is reserved, in exceptional circumstances, to make un-announced visits.
Q. What will my assessment entail?
A. On receipt of your application you will be provided with a checklist before your assessment. On initial contact from the assessor a pre-assessment check will be carried out and the assessor will explain the requirements for your assessment.
Q. I am a member of another farm assurance scheme; can I have them assessed together?
A. We have several assessors who carry out audits for various different farm assurance schemes. If you inform the SFQC office that you require an integrated assessment, where possible we will try to audit all schemes on the same day.
Q. I currently rent land for seed production; will it also be a requirement for the land owner to join the scheme?
A. Provided this land is declared on your application form this will be covered under your membership.
Q. How do I know if my membership has been approved?
A. After your assessment report has been considered by the Technical Manager, you will receive a letter from the SFQC office detailing the outcome of your assessment. If any critical failure points (CFP) are found at your audit, this will be detailed on your letter and a date for completion of corrective action will also be noted on the letter. If CFP’s are found it is necessary for corrective action to be carried out and evidence submitted to the SFQC office.
Q. What does membership provisionally pending mean?
A. If you have been informed by the SFQC office that your membership is provisionally pending, corrective action must be submitted to the SFQC office before seed stocks can be marketed as Safe Haven assured.
Q. How often is membership renewed?
A. Membership is renewable on an annual basis. Renewal notices are issued in October to all members.