Producer fees for the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme will increase from £95 to £105 excluding VAT. The change applies to initial applications and annual renewals from 1 April 2026.

Colin Smith, chair of the FQAS Industry Board, attributed the £10 rise to higher certification costs starting April 2025, elevated IT expenses and inflation. He stated that scheme reserves have reached a limit and further depletion would unbalance the budget.

The Industry Board consists mainly of farmers and processors. It holds authority to adjust the scheme for local Northern Ireland requirements. A Standard Setting Committee with stakeholder representatives ratifies all standards alongside the board.

Gillian Davis, head of quality assurance at the Livestock and Meat Commission, confirmed a complete standards review will finish this year. The review adopts recommendations from the UK Farm Assurance Review to sustain relevance, expand market access and limit audit demands.

Technology aims to cut paperwork and enhance data use. After input from farming representatives, paper FQAS Record Books will persist.

The scheme has supported Northern Ireland beef and lamb marketing for more than 30 years. It meets supermarket requirements and provides consumer guarantees on standards. Requirements cover best practices in animal husbandry, health, welfare, nutrition and environmental management, while aiding records and traceability.

The Livestock and Meat Commission uses levy income for promotion through advertising, education, retail sampling, teacher workshops and consumer events. Producers can call the LMC helpline at 028 9263 3024 for information or applications.