Farm Assured Scotch Livestock (FASL) was established by a small planning group in 1990 with representatives of all sectors of the Scottish meat industry. The agreed objective is to accelerate the ability of the Scotch Beef and Lamb industry to meet consumer requirements in the 1990s.

This is being achieved through a farm assurance scheme with standards designed to increase consumer confidence in beef and lamb. Participation is voluntary and already over 1000 farms have joined the scheme. High standards coupled with rigorous independent inspections provide credibility and formal links to the Scottish Consumer Council have been established.

The principal criteria are: traceability of stock; staff competence; adherence to welfare codes; food composition and storage; housing and handling facilities; medicines and veterinary treatments; essential records.

The farm assured product is now being actively promoted by independent and multiple retailers with considerable interest from the expanding export markets — particularly in Northern Europe. Current developments are aimed at linking farm assurance to meat quality through the Guild of Scotch Quality Meat Suppliers. Standards for auction markets and livestock transport are being established to complete the quality assurance message from farm to plate.