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The Dawn Group operate a number of Farm Assurance Schemes to secure the vital first link in the food chain from 'farm gate to plate' IRELANDIrish food board Beef Quality Assurance Scheme (BQAS)
Quality Assured beef has been sourced from farmers which are members of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme. In order to become a member of this scheme a farmer has to be nominated by a meat plant or else apply directly to Bord Bia for membership. On been nominated a farmer receives a membership pack which outlines all the requirements of the scheme. The farmers details are then passed on to an independent auditing body e.g. Efsis, who arrange to carry out an audit on the farm. The results of this inspection are passed on to Bord Bia, whose certification committee decide if the farmer is to be approved or not. On gaining approval the farmer is issued with a membership card which is valid for 18 months. Both the scheme, the auditing process and the certification process are fully accredited to the EN 45011 standard. The new scheme covers all aspects of good farming practice and has a serious of critical questions which require full compliance for membership to be obtained. These critical questions cover stockmanship, control of animal medicines, control of animal feed, proper record keeping, animal welfare issues and general practices on the farm. Dawn Farm Assured Beef Scheme (DFAB)
The Dawn Farm Assured Beef Scheme (DFAB) developed is designed to produce beef of outstanding and consistent quality, with guaranteed all year round supply. Our main objective is to serve the consumer consistently with safe, tender wholesome beef of the highest eating quality from assured farms. This is achieved through Dawn's ability to adapt to ever changing market requirements in partnership with farmers and our customers. We at Dawn are committed to developing this integrated partnership system involving producers, retailers and consumers in marketing and promoting beef.
The schemes objectives are: To develop and secure existing markets with a range of farm-assured beef products. To develop "preferred supplier" status with existing and new key customer supermarkets in Europe. To provide an opportunity for Dawn farmers to be a true partner in a Quality Beef supply chain. To provide members with an opportunity to develop their knowledge base and competency in the production of quality beef.
These objectives are achieved by: Providing consistent product quality and supply. Maintaining traceability along the supply chain. Developing integration of existing sectors. Managing an effective livestock base procurement operation. Developing value added beef products. Having an integrated system open to audit, for our customers and members.
A comprehensive code of practice and farm inspection programme has been drawn up for the scheme. All farms are inspected by our Farm Assurance Manager twice yearly. Members agree that their premises, livestock and records can be inspected by an DFAB Operations Manager, with or without prior notice. Quality Lamb Partnership Programme (QLPP)
The Quality Lamb Partnership Programme is the culmination of a 13 year project focusing on producing better quality lambs in the South Mayo and North Galway areas. While many different Quality Assurance Schemes have been developed over time, this initiative has added dimensions that in turn enable 'Dawn Ballyhaunis' promote a unique product. The scheme is drawn up and independently monitored by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority. It is in partnership with Teagasc, Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis, and the South Mayo Quality Lamb Producer Group, (a highly professional group of farmers producing quality lamb). The flock is fully tagged and fully traceable.
We in Dawn believe that in today's world of issues surrounding healthy living, food safety and consumer choice, we are taking the initiative in providing more than just quality, tasty, wholesome food. While our initiative is not the requirement of today, it will be the requirement of tomorrow
The objective of the programme is to maximise the profitability of sheep production for both the farmer and the processor, through advice on the best and most appropriate husbandry practices with special emphasis on quality.
The South Mayo Quality Lamb Producer Group is recognised as one of the most effective and progressive groups in the country. Currently the group has 180 members who, through Dawn Meats, export 25,000 lambs per annum. The programme will focus on 3 key areas: Farm Food Assurance Animal Breeding Production Systems
The programme will be delivered at two levels. 1. All participating farmers in the Dawn scheme will receive: Individual Consultations On-Farm Performance Analysis Nutrient Management Advice Discussion Group Meetings Farm Walks, Seminars/Open Days, Newsletters
2. Farm Food Assurance and Traceability A Food Assurance and Traceability Programme is being implemented with the South Mayo Quality Lamb Producer Group on a pilot basis where a Food Assurance Plan will be drawn up for each participating farmer in the group and all lambs will be individually tagged. Each participant will complete a course on Food Assurance that will be delivered by Teagasc Food Assurance specialists. Plan will be drawn up for each farmer in the group and all breeding ewes and factory lambs will be individually tagged. They must also comply with a strict and comprehensive Code of Practice for Producers which deals with all areas including Animal remedies Animal feed Health & disease control Animal welfare Traceability Environmental protection Livestock quality Farm Records
UNITED KINGDOMABM
Assured British Meat Assured British Meat (ABM) has the objective of independently assuring integrated and continuous food safety standards at all stages, across all products, from farm to plate. Standards also include animal welfare and environmental issues that have a bearing on food safety or on the wholesomeness and acceptability of a product. Traceability is a core function of ABM standards. ABM aims to avoid duplication or the imposition of unnecessary additional costs on the industry and the consumer. With this in mind, ABM has sought to recognise existing sector organisations to consolidate administrative and inspection requirements. Existing independent farm assurance schemes have been recognised as complying with the ABM standard for the farming sector of the meat industry (acknowledgement of FABBL and FAWL are documented as such in the ABM literature; acknowledgement of SQBLA has been made verbally only). Independent approval of all Dawn Meats plants to the ABM standard has been provided by EFSIS (European Food Safety Inspection Service) as an add-on to the approval to the British Retail Consortium standard (BRC), potentially qualifying all meat supplied by Dawn Meats for the British Farm Standard (red tractor logo) on retail packs.
Scottish Quality Beef and Lamb Association (SQBLA)
Scottish Quality Beef and Lamb Association was set up in Scotland in 1990, as the first of its kind in Europe.
Its objective is to provide independent assurances of rearing to the highest standards of animal husbandry, health and welfare, (feed manufacturers and hauliers are also involved). Standards cover seven sets of criteria relating to all aspects of feeding, use of medicines and general care: Origin of Stock Stockmanship and welfare Feed composition and storage Housing and handling facilities Medicines and veterinary treatment Movement and record books Traceability
SQBLA has contracted Scottish Food Quality Certification Ltd. (SFQC) to carry out audits on their behalf. SFQC was the first food and farming body in the EU to be awarded EN Standard 45011 status.
All farms are audited annually to ensure that the strict standards and practices, which have been set, are maintained.
SQBLA falls under the umbrella of the total assurance scheme operated by the Guild of Scotch Quality Meat Suppliers, (GSQMS).
SQBLA approved livestock are procured at the Highland Meats plant.
Farm Assured British Beef and Lamb (FABBL)
Farm Assured British Beef and Lamb was set up in 1992 to provide a nationwide farm assurance scheme to provide additional confidence in British livestock production standards.
FABBL membership provides independent evidence of achievement of nationally agreed standards of husbandry and welfare on farm as well as product safety.
The scheme standards cover six criteria: Identification and traceability Farm Animal Management Environment & hygiene management Feed composition, storage and use Housing and handling Medicines and veterinary treatments
FABBL has contracted Farm Inspection Services (FIS) to carry out audits on their behalf. FIS has been awarded accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to EN Standard 45004.
All farms are audited annually to ensure that the strict standards and practises, which have been set, are maintained.
FABBL is recognised by ABM.
FABBL cattle are procured at Dawn Cardington and Dawn Carnaby
Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (WLBP and FAWL)
Farm Assured Welsh Livestock assurance scheme works to the same protocol as FABBL inspection standards.
The scheme standards cover six criteria: Identification and traceability Farm Animal Management Environment & hygiene management Feed composition, storage and use Housing and handling Medicines and veterinary treatments
FAWL will replace FABBL in Wales.
Inspections are carried out on annual basis by independent auditors from Quality Welsh Food Certification, (QWFC), Ltd.
FAWL falls under the umbrella of the total assurance scheme operated by Welsh Lamb and Beef Promotions, (WLBP).
FAWL is recognised by ABM.
FAWL lambs are procured at Dawn Cardington and Dawn Carnaby
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