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ABM Livestock Markets Scheme

21st February 2008

NIFCC commence administration, inspection and certification of the ABM Livestock Market Scheme

Twenty livestock markets across Northern Ireland have now signed up to the Assured British Meat (ABM) Livestock Market Scheme.

The livestock market standard, which is operated by Northern Ireland Food Chain Certification (NIFCC), is an integral link in the beef and lamb assurance chain following farm, feed and livestock transport assurance.

One of the first marts to be approved into the scheme was Markethill Livestock and Farm Sales.  Commenting on the development, Noel Lavery, NIFCC Operations Manager, congratulated the Markethill team and added ‘We are delighted with the positive response from the livestock markets in implementing the assurance standard and recognising its importance for their business.  The whole process has gone remarkably smoothly which is a measure of the high standards to which the marts operate.’  Noel Lavery also took the opportunity to thank Hampton Hewitt for providing his market facilities for use during staff training.

From 1^st February any farm quality assured (FQA) cattle and sheep which are presented for sale at a non-assured market will loose their FQA status, therefore it is vitally important that producers and buyers check the assurance status of livestock markets.’

The photograph shows Hampton Hewitt, owner of Markethill Livestock and Farm Sales, receiving the mart’s ABM Market Scheme certificate from Noel Lavery, NIFCC Operations Manager and Linda Dougan, LMC FQAS Liaison Officer, looking on are Markethill staff Davey Roulston (far left), Market Manager and Stephen Keys, Quality Manager.

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