Producert on Normec Robalab
Producert has drinking and spring water samples from its customers analyzed by Normec Robalab
Every farmer in the Netherlands has to deal with business inspections. Not only to comply with legal requirements, but also to obtain certain quality marks and certificates. Producert inspectors carry out various inspections at agricultural businesses throughout the country on a daily basis. The water samples are sent directly to Normec Robalab for laboratory testing.
Regular inspections for water quality and IKB standards
Producert inspectors visit agricultural businesses in the Netherlands on both announced and unannounced visits. "We even visit farmers who want to have their drinking water tested every quarter four times a year. If the farm's operations do not meet the IKB Nederland regulations at a certain point, the farmer receives a sanction with a recovery period. This may be followed by a re-inspection. We then visit again," explains Leo Verheijen of Producert.
Former pig farmer
Leo is a former pig farmer himself. He has been working at the certification agency in Hardenberg since 2009 and is responsible for Producert. He therefore knows everything there is to know about inspections and certifications in agriculture for all animal species. He is also secretary for the IKB Nederland quality mark.
As a company and inspector, you need to be able to speak the farmer's language
Speaking the farmer's language
Producert believes it is important to explain to agricultural entrepreneurs why certain rules apply. “As a company and inspector, you need to be able to speak the farmer's language. Fortunately, we are seeing increasing understanding of certain regulations in the market. This is certainly the case among entrepreneurs who want to qualify for a particular quality mark. Because we inspect companies annually, we are also seeing an improvement in the level of business operations.”
‘Water quality is vital’
One of the items that inspectors take with them when visiting a farm is drinking and spring water samples. The inspectors who take the samples are trained and certified for this purpose. "Water quality is vitally important to the agricultural sector. Animals naturally need clean water, which must not contain any prohibited substances. Clean water also plays an important role in the proper functioning of various installations. Professional sampling and water testing are therefore indispensable for the agricultural sector."
10 years of collaboration
Producert's water samples are tested by Normec Robalab in Deurne. A partnership that has been going strong for at least 10 years. “Normec Robalab analyzes the quality of livestock drinking water and spring water for Producert's customers. This is necessary to meet the requirements of quality labels such as Beter Leven Keurmerk and IKB Nederland Varkens of Runderen.”
Quality comes first
Producert conducts its inspections in a completely impartial and objective manner and takes certification decisions in the same way. "We attach great importance to the quality of our inspections and sampling. This is demonstrated by our accreditations for NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17065 and 17020 for IKB Nederland Varkens, QS, and other modules in which professionalism, independence, and impartiality are laid down. We believe it is important to work with clients who share the same core values as us: professional, practical, customer-focused, and short lines of communication. We certainly find all of this at Normec Robalab. Normec Robalab's tests are also carried out in accordance with NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025," says Leo.
Speed, customer focus, and short lines of communication
Producert is particularly pleased with Normec Robalab's short lines of communication and reliability. “If there is ever a problem with a sample or report, we just need to call or email and it is resolved immediately. It never happens that Robalab does not use a sample because they did not have all the information. This is something we have experienced with other labs. This is a truly reliable partner. We work well together.”
Thanks to the efforts of Normec Robalab's couriers, we are assured of fast turnaround times
Market challenges
Producert has noticed a decline in the number of agricultural businesses in the market. It is a challenge to efficiently schedule inspectors who have to drive increasingly longer distances between agricultural businesses. Producert works with the latest inspection and certification techniques, which means that the work itself can be carried out very efficiently and accurately. Thanks to the use of couriers by Normec Robalab, we are assured of a fast turnaround time. With our automated inspection and certification systems, we can also plan efficiently, carry out inspections, and submit samples to Normec Robalab.
Take as many samples as possible at once
During a single farm visit, Producert inspectors carry out inspections for multiple quality marks. They also take water samples with them so as not to burden the farmer with separate visits. "For example, we take water samples to be tested at Robalab. This is greatly appreciated as part of our service. Our customers have always taken their water samples and had them analyzed by Normec Robalab on time."
Guarantee
Leo also guarantees that pig, cattle, or poultry farmers will always comply with timely sampling and analysis by Normec Robalab thanks to sampling by Producert. And always in accordance with the conditions of IKB Nederland Varkens (IKB Netherlands Pigs) or IKB Nederland Runderen (IKB Netherlands Cattle) or concepts such as Natuurvlees Nederland (Nature Meat Netherlands), QS, and Beter Leven Keurmerk (Better Life Quality Mark).
Do you have any questions or would you like more information about sampling? Our specialists deal with these issues on a daily basis and will be happy to help you.