Producert has its clients' drinking and well water samples analyzed by Normec Robalab
Both announced and unannounced, Producert inspectors visit agricultural companies in the Netherlands. "Farmers who want their drinking water examined every quarter, we even visit four times a year. If the business does not comply with IKB Nederland regulations on a certain point, a farmer receives a sanction with a recovery period. After this, a re-inspection may follow. Then we visit again," says Leo Verheijen of Producert.
Former pig farmer
Leo himself is a former pig farmer. He has been working at the Hardenberg-based certification agency since 2009 and is responsible for Producert. Thus, he knows everything about inspections and certifications in agriculture in all animal species. In addition, he is secretary for the IKB Netherlands quality mark.
"You have to be able to speak the farmer's language as a company and inspector"
Speaking the farmer's language
Producert believes it is important to explain to agricultural entrepreneurs why certain rules apply. "You have to be able to speak the farmer's language as a company and inspector. Fortunately, we see more and more understanding in the market for certain regulations. Certainly among entrepreneurs who want to qualify for a certain quality mark. Because we inspect companies annually, we also see the level of business management going up."
'Water quality is vital'
One of the products that inspectors take with them during their farm visits are drinking and spring water samples. The inspectors who take the sample are trained and certified to do so. "Water quality is vitally important to the agricultural sector. Of course, animals need clean water and it should not contain prohibited substances. Clean water also plays an important role in the proper functioning of various plants. For the agribusiness, professional sampling and water testing is therefore indispensable."
10 years of cooperation already
Producert's water samples are examined by Normec Robalab in Deurne. A cooperation that "has been well liked for at least 10 years. "Normec Robalab analyzes the water quality of cattle drinking water or spring water for Producert's clients. This is necessary to meet the requirements of such labels as Beter Leven Keurmerk and IKB Nederland Varkens or Runderen."
Quality comes first
Producert carries out its inspections completely impartially and objectively and makes certification decisions in the same way. "We attach great importance to the quality of our inspections and sampling. The latter is evidenced by, among other things, our accreditations for NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17065 and 17020 for IKB Nederland Varkens, QS and other modules that establish professionalism, independence and impartiality. We find it important to work with clients who share our core values: professional, practical, customer-oriented and short lines of communication. We certainly find all this at Normec Robalab. Also the examinations of Normec Robalab are performed under NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025", Leo knows.
Speed, customer focus and short lines of communication
Producert is especially pleased with Normec Robalab's short lines of communication and reliability. "If there's an occasional problem with a sample or report, all we have to do is call or email and it's immediately resolved very well. It actually never happens that Robalab doesn't deploy a sample because they didn't have all the information. An experience we do have with other labs. This is really a reliable partner. We work well together."
"Thanks to the deployment of couriers by Normec Robalab, we are assured of a fast turnaround time."
Challenges in the market
Producert sees a decline in agricultural companies in the market. It is a challenge to efficiently schedule inspectors who have to drive ever greater distances between farms. Producert works with the latest techniques for inspection and certification, allowing the work itself to be done very efficiently and accurately. Thanks to the use of couriers by Normec Robalab, we are assured of a quick turnaround time. Our automated inspection and certification systems also allow us to efficiently plan, perform inspections and submit samples to Normec Robalab."
Taking as many samples as possible at once
During one company visit, Producer inspectors perform inspections for multiple labels. They also take water samples directly with them so as not to unnecessarily burden the farmer with separate visits. "For example, we take the water samples to examine at Robalab. This is very much appreciated about our service. Our customers always have their water samples taken on time and analyzed at Normec Robalab."
Guarantee
Leo further guarantees that pig, cattle or poultry farmers always comply with timely sampling and analysis by Normec Robalab thanks to sampling by Producert. And always in accordance with the conditions of IKB Netherlands Pigs or IKB Netherlands Cattle or concepts such as Natuurvlees Nederland, QS and Beter Leven Keurmerk.
Do you have questions or would you like information about sampling? Our specialists deal with these issues on a daily basis and will be happy to help you.
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