Northern Ireland dairy farmers strongly object to the plans of Red Tractor, an organization promoting and regulating food quality in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, to introduce unannounced inspections.

Red Tractor claims that a new approach based on risk assessment in farm inspections aims to improve the integrity of the quality assurance scheme. According to the organization, these changes are a “vital component” in maintaining consumer confidence and promoting high standards in food and agriculture.

However, the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) said there is an “unfair opinion” that Northern Irish dairy farms are trying to meet the same standards as British farms. UFU Vice President Victor Chestnutt called for “uniformity” in all regions of the UK, when it comes to checks.

“Red Tractor heard first hand the problems of local dairy farmers in Northern Ireland. Now we want to work with them to solve these problems. Farmers greatly support the concept of a farm quality assurance system, but it should work for all. Unfortunately, many aspects of the new risk-based approach are problematic for farmers, ”said the vice president.

The UFU added that dairy farmers were “disappointed” with the Red Tractor inspection process and that the problems raised by the quality assurance body were “still not resolved.” A new, more stringent inspection regime was developed over most of last year and started in November 2018. year for full deployment in all farms this year.