The Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (IGAS) announced a new trailer identification system last year and it will be rolled out this harvest.

Speaking to Tom Kelly of IGAS, he said: “This new system is an important step in ensuring full traceability of Irish grain from field to final store, supporting food safety and assurance standards.”

The new system will mean all IGAS members delivering grain to merchants and co-ops must have an ID number.

IGAS has said trailers should be identified from Harvest 2025 and the numbers will be a requirement by Harvest 2026. The system is already in place for commercial hauliers and is now being extended to farmers’ trailers.

What does this mean for farmers?

  • You need to display a trailer number on both sides of the trailer in the top front corner (see image).
  • The number should be your IGAS number with a dash and then the number trailer it is on your farm. For example, trailer one would be 1234-1 and trailer two would be 1234-2.
  • The number should be visible to the weighbridge operator.
  • You can display the number by painting the number or using a stencil to paint it. You can stick on the number, but make sure it remains in place. IGAS has also suggested printing it on a car registration type plate, which costs about €10+VAT.
  • If you are unsure of your IGAS number, check your IGAS record book, ask your grain buyer or call IGAS at 059-8633166.
  • Your trailer ID will only be recorded at the weighbridge. It will not go into a central database.

    • Contractors

    Contractors should also number their trailers. If they are drawing in a customer’s grain then the contractor’s trailer number(s) will be used for traceability. This is also the case if you borrow a trailer, you use that trailer’s ID. If you sell a trailer, you should remove your identification number and you can use this number on a new trailer if one is purchased.

    A number plate could be used.