Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to assist and expand the quality assurance schemes in the cereals, pigmeat and poultry sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28570/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Bord Bia Pigmeat Quality Assurance Scheme — Auditing to the new standard commenced in May 2007 and the scheme is now fully accredited under EN45011 at producer and processor level, the latter being achieved in early October 2007.

To date there has been 248 applicant producers, of which 116 producers have been certified. Farm inspections and processor audits are ongoing with certifications taking place once the standard has been achieved. There are currently 40 processor members of the scheme.

There are new and significantly increased requirements regarding reconciliation. This requires the processor to demonstrate that there is complete traceability of all approved product marketed under the scheme to approved farms. Auditing against this new requirement came into effect from 1 February 2008.

Bord Bia Poultry Products Quality Assurance Scheme — The Poultry Products Quality Assurance Scheme incorporates the requirements that were previously included in chicken, turkey and duck standards. The Processor standard of the new Scheme has been accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB). The accreditation of the Producer Scheme is expected in September. Training of all participants (plant personnel, processor's farm inspectors, producers and Bord Bia auditors) is currently taking place.

The Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (IGAS) assures customers that grain is produced, handled, stored and transported according to a defined Code of Practice. Almost 6,000 cereals producers are now participating in the scheme, which accounts for approximately 90% of grain traded in Ireland. My Department has supported the objectives of the Scheme in a tangible way under the National Development Plan by the provision of grant aid towards the improvement of grain handling and storage facilities both on-farm and at commercial intake points.