Welcome to Cropcast Conversations. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Teresa Dougall (Managing Director SQC) & John Hutcheson (Chair, SQC).

Scottish Quality Crops is the quality assurance body that sets the standards for food safety and good practice for crops grown in Scotland. This gives confidence to buyers across the world and creates market opportunities for Scotland’s growers.

SQC has 3,100 voluntary members, covering more than 90% of Scotland’s crops.

The board is a cooperative of eight organisations from across the supply chain. Audits are carried out by an independent certification body, Food Integrity Assurance, who conduct assessments and certification.

SQC standards are formed by and for growers and grain buyers.

Listen to this episode to hear how SQC works with the supply chain to place Scotland’s combinable crops at the premium end of the UK and European markets.

Time Stamps

01.16 Introducing Teresa Dougall and John Hutcheson (SQC)

05.32 SQC as a cooperative organisation

08.18 SQC history and where it all began

14.41 Annual review structure & what the market wants in terms of assured products

25.19 Interaction with Scottish Government

29.36 Recognising our unique and diverse landscape in Scotland

31.14 Representing a high standard product

34.05 Importing / exporting grain

40.11 Closing thoughts from Teresa and John

Resources

https://www.sqcrops.co.uk/

Contact:

info@foodassurance.co.uk

Mark.Bowsher-Gibbs@sac.co.uk

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot