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We are changing the way farm assurance revisits are carried out in England and Wales. Previously the area managers were involved but many of the revisits now only involve taking 2-3 photographs and submitting these to the certification bodies (CMi). From 1 August we are asking members to submit documentary evidence - including photographs - directly to their certification body.

So what happens next? If there were no non-conformances raised at the assessment the ADF (formerly NDFAS) certificate and stickers will be sent to you ASAP. However if some non conformances were raised at the time of audit, you will receive a letter within 10 days of the audit indicating one of two things, either you will be having a re-visit from the assessor who will contact you in due course, or you will need to send in your own documentary/photographic evidence.

You will have 60 days from the day of assessment for documentary/photographic evidence to be received by CMi. Please aim to post all documents well before this date, to ensure you can be contacted about any queries before your farm assured status lapses after 60 days.

So what sort of evidence is required? Depending on the nature of the non-conformance, documentary evidence can be in the form of a photograph, an invoice/receipt or photocopy. The evidence is required to conclusively determine whether the non-compliance has been rectified. Where the evidence is a photograph it will be necessary to take one photo before the corrective action has taken place and one photo after it is complete.

At the point of assessment the auditor will also explain the new procedure but if you have any concerns about the collecting of evidence please contact your Area Manager who will more than happy to advise you.