Integrity & Assurance

Supporting the best of the best

Assuring quality every step of the journey

Whole chain assurance underpins the integrity of the QMS premium brands and provides reassurance to consumers of provenance, highest standards of production, animal welfare and well-being, to deliver a quality eating experience.

To support farmers and producers to continue to meet the increasing demands of whole chain assurance, we also manage and deliver a wide range of industry development projects addressing universal and specialist issues concerned with breeding, health and welfare, nutrition and farm business management.

Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme

The QMS Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme is the longest-established scheme of its kind in the world.

Pig Assurance Scheme

The QMS Pig Assurance Scheme is one of the most respected schemes of its kind.

Auction Market & Collection Centre Assurance Scheme

The QMS Auction Market and Collection Centre Scheme is an essential element in the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) ‘whole chain’ consumer assurance programme.

Haulage Assurance Scheme

The Haulage Assurance Scheme is an essential element in the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) ‘whole chain’ consumer assurance programme.

Feeds Assurance Scheme

The Feeds Assurance Scheme is another essential element in the ‘whole chain’ consumer assurance programme.

Processor Assurance Scheme

Only approved members can process cattle, sheep, and pigs which are destined for the QMS Brands.

Quality Assured

Our whole chain assurance scheme means only animals born and reared in Scotland that meet our stringent assurance standards are eligible for the QMS brands.

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Sustainability

For QMS Assurance Schemes, sustainability is about providing a credible and practical framework that supports responsible food production in Scotland for our people, planet and place.

We define sustainability across three pillars: environmental responsibility (such as waste management, pasture management and reducing environmental impact where possible), high standards of animal health and welfare, and the economic and social resilience of rural businesses. Examples of standard requirements within this context include considered farm plans and supplier sourcing, carbon auditing and waste, farmyard manure and slurry management.

Our assurance scheme standards are evidence-based and independently assessed, ensuring that claims are measurable and transparent. We recognise that sustainability is not a fixed end point but an ongoing journey. By setting clear requirements and promoting continuous improvement, QMS Assurance Schemes help members demonstrate responsible practice today while supporting industry progress on climate, welfare, and efficiency.