May 2008
European Contracting Standards
CEETTAR has launched its new “Best Practice Guide” for agricultural and rural contractors.
Created by a working group organised by CEETTAR, the best practice guide was formed to address growing concerns over food safety and traceability.
The working group consisted of 11 member states, including the NAAC, who had the task of producing common standards for agricultural and rural contractors throughout Europe as they play an integral role in the production of food, carrying out work on behalf of the farmer.
After building a bigger picture on the position of contracting in each country, the working group were able to put together the ‘best practice’ guidance, ensuring the standards were practical and achievable by all member states.
Based heavily on the NAAC’s “Code of Conduct”, the best practice guide covers quality control, health and safety, traceability and the environment. This will underline the professional service that contractors already give to farmers using skilled labour and highly specialised machinery.