Scottish Quality Cereals (SQC) was formed in 1994 and was the first on-farm cereals assurance scheme to be accredited to ISO Guide 65 (EN 45011). In 2007, the company changed to Scottish Quality Crops to take into account that all combinable crops were now included within the scheme standards. The purpose of the scheme is to provide consumers and industry comprehensive assurance about good production standards, food safety and environmental care.
SQC members increase consumer and trade confidence through quality assurance and traceability in both home and export markets. Most major grain outlets now look for all grain intakes to be assured grain. The result is that SQC members now account for around 90% of Scottish combinable crops. Membership of SQC ensures members meet the requirements of the Food Safety Act, 1990.SQC supplies all approved members with ‘Post Harvest Treatment Declarations’. These Declarations are unique for each member, thus ensuring complete traceability.
SQC is controlled by a Board of directors responsible for the direction, overall management and administration of the company. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on behalf of the Board supervises farm assessment procedures and maintains and updates farm standards. The Board and TAC is represented by various sectors including; farmers, maltsters, distilling, milling and animal feed compounders.
Operating through SFQC, SQC has been able to demonstrate that it meets the highest European criteria for product certification in respect of scheme management, inspection procedures and documentation.
- Agriculture & Supply
- Assured Dairy Farms (ADF)
- Assured Produce (AP)
- The Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS)
- Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme
- Leaf Marque
- Livestock Driver Competency Scheme
- Livestock Transport Approval Scheme
- Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Assurance Scheme- Cattle & Sheep
- Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Assurance Schemes - Feed
- Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Assurance Schemes - Haulage
- Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Assurance Schemes - Marts
- Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Assurance Schemes - Pigs
- Safe Haven
- Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA)
- Scottish Quality Crops (SQC)
- Trade Assurance Scheme of Combineable Crops (TASCC)
- Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS)