UK – A number of new guidelines have been introduced in the third revision to the National Dairy Farm Assured Scheme (NFDAS), which was developed to address the concerns of all parties in the milk supply chain.

However, the NFDAS was adamant that the changes outlined in the Third Edition Standards and Guidelines were made because they were needed, and not for change’s sake.

“Changes to assurance schemes are never popular,” said NDFAS chairman Richard Davis, “but in producing the third edition we’ve been very careful to ensure that the revisions are not over-onerous.” Biosecurity has received greater focus, while the introduction of innovations like robotic milkers and external silos have also been accounted for.

Davis added that the NDFAS has tried to reduce the burden of paperwork by ensuring consistency with other assurance schemes such as beef. The new guidelines will come into effect from 1 October 2004.