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Northern Ireland Food Chain Certification (NIFCC), the primary inspection and certification provider for the region's agri-food sector, has reported a successful year marked by strategic investments in operational improvements.
At its 23rd Annual General Meeting held in Lisburn, NIFCC Chairman George Mullan noted the organisation’s post-COVID-19 recovery. “I am pleased to report on a full recovery from the impact of Covid restrictions and that NIFCC is operating on a solid financial footing,” he said. He also praised the dedication of the Board of Directors and senior management team, including CEO Valerie McCann, Finance Manager Pearl Campbell, Compliance Manager Daphne Brennan, and Inspections Managers Robert Downey and Catherine O’Melvena.
The organisation has upgraded its LiveQ digital inspection system across all schemes and launched a revamped website to enhance efficiency and reduce time spent on farms. NIFCC also retained its 5-star BRCGS Certification Body rating following a successful UKAS accreditation audit.
NIFCC continues to manage key schemes such as the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) and the Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured Cereals Scheme (FQACS). It also provides certification services for Red Tractor Dairy, Poultry, Livestock Transport, and Livestock Markets schemes. Additionally, it supports the food processing sector through BRCGS and Red Tractor Meat Processing Schemes and administers the Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC) across Ireland.
Governance changes to the company were also announced at the AGM. David Torrens has been appointed by the Livestock and Meat Commission to act as its Owners Representative alongside Joseph Stewart. Michael Hatch replaces Liam McNeill as the new Chairman of the Certification Committee. Ian Robinson replaced Crosby Cleland as one of two Farming Representatives. Crosby steps down having served since October 2021. Sinead Furey the Consumer Representative steps down having served since October 2012.
Neville Graham, who has been a NIFCC Board Director since 2017, steps down and Paul Reaney the Processor Representative who has been on the Certification Committee since December 2020 takes up his place on the Board of Directors to represent Dale Farm. Deirdre McIvor has also been re-appointed to the Board for a further three-year term to represent the NI Pork and Bacon Forum.
During the year Thomas Douglas who represented UFU, also stepped down from the Board having served since 2016 and was replaced by Crawford Wilson who will serve out the remainder of Thomas’ term until the next AGM.
