Scottish Quality Crops extends contract with Food Integrity Assurance

We are pleased to announce that we have extended SQC's contract with certification body Food Integrity Assurance (FIA) following a successful initial four years of working together. 

This will ensure continuity as SQC’s independent certification body, but, importantly, also build on the wider strategic work with FIA to strengthen the Scheme and ensure ongoing value for members and the supply chain. 

“We’ve seen the benefit of working in partnership with FIA, using the skills and expertise they bring to improve assurance processes, remove duplication and reinforce confidence in the supply chain with greater integrity and traceability," said Teresa Dougall, Managing Director of SQC. "In the current competitive markets, it’s more important than ever to support growers to illustrate the quality standards they are competently maintaining. We look forward to continuing to work with FIA to develop systems to provide value for our members and meet the evolving needs of the marketplace.” 

As part of the renewed agreement, which runs until September 2030, FIA will continue to work with SQC on a range of strategic projects, as well as delivering audits and independent certification of Standards on farm. 

These projects will build on recent projects including the enhanced Integrity Checker and the move to Product Certification which allows for year-round and combined assessments, and the development of an online assurance system. SQC and FIA have also worked collaboratively over the last four years to widen industry engagement and communications, including recently co-hosting a mock assessment day to demonstrate to stakeholders in the supply chain how an audit is carried out on farm. 

"We are delighted to continue our successful relationship with Scottish Quality Crops,” said Stephen Sanderson, General Manager of Food Integrity Assurance. “Over recent years, SQC and FIA have worked closely together to strengthen assurance delivery and recognition of the high standards achieved by SQC growers. We look forward to supporting the next phase of development that will further enhance the value, integrity and credibility of the Scheme." 

SQC Chair and arable farmer, John Hutcheson added: 

“This longer-term partnership underlines the shared commitment of both organisations to maintaining high standards of transparency and continuous improvement, ensuring that SQC members remain recognised and respected for their dedication to quality crop production and responsible farming practices in Scotland.”