Speedy retesting of farms that initially fail the Quality Assurance (QA) scheme is on the way.

Some 37,000 beef and sheep farmers are currently in the QA scheme, but failure levels have been rising. While pass rates have risen to 95%, 6.8% (2,500 farmers) failed to meet the mark in 2015.

“It is totally unacceptable to the IFA that farmers could be expelled from the scheme for six months,” said IFA president Joe Healy, having met Bord Bia this week. “Bord Bia has given a clear commitment to the IFA that farmers who are found to be non-compliant in the current scheme will be accommodated with an early re-audit, particularly those with cattle to sell.”

QA audits have been a contentious issue, with farmers unhappy at the hoops they are being put through to qualify for the scheme. It is a requirement under the Quality Payment Scheme for sheep and cattle, and thus can be worth up to 12c/kg for cattle, and 10/kg for lambs.