Operators of the assurance scheme which underpins the Red Tractor standards have called on livestock markets to apply before Christmas to join up or risk facing potentially damaging delays in attaining assured status.

The impact on farmers could be severe if delays occur because, from 1 April 2007, any assured livestock sold through a market which has not joined the scheme will lose its assured status, Assured British Meat has warned.

Producers would face finding an alternative market to protect their assurance scheme credentials.

Just 45 of the 131 markets in England and Wales have been fully approved for ABM's Livestock Market and Collection Centre standards scheme. A further 24 have applied or are progressing through the system.

ABM development officer Sarah Long urged the remaining markets to apply before the Christmas break.

Market inspected

"We are confident, at this stage, that we can get all of the markets inspected in time for the April deadline provided markets apply by Christmas for an inspection to take place. But if market operators wait until we are into the New Year and then apply in a rush, the administration and inspection system will struggle," said Ms Long.

"The inspectors need to visit on a market day to monitor operations, so it's not just a case of turning up on any day of the week. There has to be a lot of forward planning."

Executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers' Association Chris Dodds said there had been some reluctance from markets.

"I know our members are not happy about having to join another scheme. We are already inspected by Trading Standards and the State Veterinary Service, so it is extra bother.

Opportunity

"But we have to be mindful of our customers' requirements and so we must embrace this as an opportunity to bolster confidence in our product," said Mr Dodds.

Welsh markets account for just two of the 45 markets which have been approved so far.

Farm Assured Welsh Livestock scheme manager Moss Jones said all of the main livestock auction markets intended to apply. But they had held back waiting for a grant, similar to the one available to English markets, to be paid to offset the inspection costs.

"Some, too, were unaware that to guarantee market inspections are completed in time they need to make their intentions clear very soon," claimed Mr Jones.

All of Scotland's markets which operate under the Quality Meat Scotland scheme have already been inspected.

• To apply contact Sarah Long 01908 844 185.