A new Sustainable Horticulture Assurance Scheme aimed at producers in the horticultural sector was launched by Bord Bia earlier this month. This voluntary scheme builds on the existing Horticulture Quality Assurance Scheme (HQAS), of which there have been various versions in place for over 20 years.

Bord Bia states that the aim of the scheme is to provide an internationally recognised quality standard for horticultural producers. The new scheme brings together a number of separate horticultural standards under a single umbrella and covers an array of criteria along the supply chain.

Different elements within the scheme cover growing, handling and packing, distribution, prepared fruit and vegetables, mushroom casing production, mushroom substrate production and propagation, etc. The scheme, which is now open to producers, provides accreditation for the European Standard for Product Certification.

However, this new scheme has been met with opposition within the horticultural sector.

A number of prominent potato producers have been quick to highlight the increased administrative burden associated with the scheme when compared with its predecessors.

Producers nearing the end of the previous HQAS have the option of extending their participation in this scheme by 18 months before they have to enter the new scheme.