SAI Global and the British Poultry Council have worked closely to develop this specific standard for the duck-producing industry.

The scheme has been developed for duck producers who are keen to demonstrate their professionalism and high standards of production, and SAI Global are the designated inspection body for the scheme.

Peter Bradnock, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council said: "We are delighted with the launch of the Duck Assurance Scheme. British Poultry Council members have worked long and hard to ensure that these standards are rigorous, auditable and encompass the whole production chain for ducks. Yet again, the UK poultry industry is demonstrating its credentials as a world leading livestock sector."

The scheme covers all areas of duck production: breeding, hatching, rearing, catching, transport, slaughter, free-range and table eggs.

Stephen Urwin (Technical Director – Agriculture with Gressingham Foods) said: "It is fantastic that the duck industry in the UK and worldwide is now able to offer an independently verified assurance scheme that covers all aspects of production, from egg production for hatching and human consumption, through to hatcheries, growing farms and to the slaughter house. The areas that will be assessed include; animal welfare, environmental protection, health and safety training and development for farm workers along with food safety issues for the consumer. Independent inspections and assessments are invaluable in terms of the level of confidence in the end product that they bring to the consumer."

Chris Reading (UK Operations Manager for SAI Global) said: "SAI Global are really excited to be working with the Duck Industry to provide an assurance scheme to producers. I know that stakeholders and producers from the duck sector have worked hard on this initiative and I am absolutely confident that assured duck will be a great success in the marketplace."

The scheme is owned and administered by the British Poultry Council and is managed by an independently chaired Technical Advisory Committee.

To find out more about becoming assured against the Duck Assurance Scheme, please contact the SAI Global Agriculture office on 01908 249973 or e-mail [email protected].

To find out more about the standard, please contact the British Poultry Council on 0845 302 2833 or e-mail [email protected].