Quality Payment System FAQs
1. Will I get a bonus payment for being Quality Assured?
There is no automatic bonus for Quality Assured animals at slaughter. While your farm may be Quality Assured, the ‘in-spec’ QPS payment is dependent on other factors, outside of Bord Bia’s control. Additional criteria to receive the bonus can include maximum and minimum weight; age (under 30-36 months); maximum four farm residencies; 60-day residency prior to slaughter; 70 days on a Quality Assured farm or farms; grades of O= or better, and between 2+ and 4= fat score.
It is advisable that you check with the factory buyer before sending your cattle to the factory to find out the exact requirements.
2. What is Bord Bia’s role in the QPS?
Bord Bia has no role in setting the requirements of the QPS.
The QPS was introduced in December 2009, based on research conducted by Teagasc, with the key objective of rewarding producers for quality, linked to achieving a higher yield of saleable meat.
At the same time, a price premium was also introduced by the beef industry for animals that meet the desired market specifications. This ‘In-Spec Bonus’ is payable by factories on prime cattle which satisfy each of the specific requirements. These factors are based upon buying specifications of key customers, such as retailers, and entry requirements for certain markets.
This bonus is not related to the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme other than the fact that QA status is one of the criteria required to qualify.
3. Is the quality payment bonus paid from the Bord Bia levy?
No, the Bord Bia levy is a statutory levy, laid down by the An Bord Bia Act, that part funds Bord Bia’s promotional activity throughout the world on behalf of all Irish farmers.
4. What are the residency requirements for cattle to qualify as Quality Assured?
The residency requirement for cattle to be deemed Quality Assured is that the animal must have spent the last 70 days (unbroken) in the Quality Assured Chain. However, the animal can be moved from one farm to another, provided each farm is Quality Assured, and remain in the Quality Assurance Chain.
Please be aware, that meat factories set a residency requirement of 60 days on the final farm, and a maximum of four farm movement, for carcasses to qualify for a bonus payment.
5. What are the residency requirements for sheep to qualify as Quality Assured?
The residency requirement for sheep to be deemed Quality Assured is that the animal must have spent the last 42 days (unbroken) in the Quality Assured Chain. However, the animal can be moved from one farm to another, provided each farm is Quality Assured, and remain in the Quality Assurance Chain.
6. How many animal movements are allowed between farms?
Bord Bia place no restrictions on the number of movements a bovine has had, for it to be deemed Quality Assured. Any movement restrictions applied are solely at the discretion of the meat plant.
7. Do Bord Bia restrict the age of cattle to qualify as Quality Assured?
No, there is no age restriction for an animal to qualify as Bord Bia Quality Assured.