Producert has its customers’ drinking and spring water samples analyzed by Normec Robalab
Producert inspectors visit agricultural businesses in the Netherlands, both with and without prior notice. “We even visit farmers who want their drinking water tested every quarter up to four times a year. If farm operations fail to meet the IKB Nederland regulations at any point, the farmer receives a penalty with a corrective action period. A re-inspection may follow afterward. Then we’ll stop by one more time,” says 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. As a result, he knows everything there is to know about inspections and certifications in agriculture across all animal species. He also serves as secretary for the IKB Nederland certification mark.
“As a company and as an inspector, you have to be able to speak the farmer’s language”
Speaking the farmer’s language
Producert believes it’s important to explain to agricultural entrepreneurs why certain rules apply. “As a company and as an inspector, you have to be able to speak the farmer’s language. Fortunately, we’re seeing more and more understanding in the market for certain regulations—especially among entrepreneurs who want to qualify for a specific certification mark. Because we inspect farms annually, we’re also seeing the level of farm management improve.”
‘Water quality is vital’
One of the items inspectors bring with them during their visits to farms are drinking water and spring water samples. The inspectors who collect the samples are trained and certified to do so. “Water quality is vital to the agricultural sector. Of course, animals need clean water, and it must be free of prohibited substances. Clean water also plays a key role in ensuring the proper functioning of various systems. Professional sampling and water testing are therefore indispensable for the agricultural sector.”
A 10-Year Partnership
Producert’s water samples are analyzed by Normec Robalab in Deurne. A partnership that “has been working well for at least 10 years.” “Normec Robalab analyzes the water quality of livestock drinking water or spring water for Producert’s customers. This is necessary to meet the requirements of certification programs such as the Beter Leven Keurmerk and IKB Nederland for pigs or cattle.”
Quality Comes First
Producert conducts its inspections in a completely impartial and objective manner and makes certification decisions in the same way. “We place great value on the quality of our inspections and sampling. This is evident, among other things, from our accreditations under NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17065 and 17020 for IKB Nederland Pigs, QS, and other modules, which enshrine professionalism, independence, and impartiality. We believe it is important to work with clients who uphold the same core values as we do: professionalism, practicality, customer focus, and direct communication. We certainly find all of this at Normec Robalab. Normec Robalab’s tests are also conducted in accordance with NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025,” says Leo.
Speed, customer focus, and direct communication
Producert is particularly pleased with Normec Robalab’s direct communication and reliability. “If there’s ever an issue with a sample or report, all we have to do is call or email, and it’s resolved very effectively right away. It’s actually very rare for Robalab not to process a sample because they didn’t have all the necessary information. That’s something we’ve experienced with other labs. This is truly a reliable partner. We work well together.”
“Thanks to Normec Robalab’s use of couriers, we’re assured of a fast turnaround time”
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Market Challenges
Producert has observed a decline in the number of agricultural businesses in the market. It is a challenge to efficiently schedule inspectors who must travel increasingly longer distances between farms. Producert uses the latest inspection and certification technologies, enabling the work itself to be carried out with great efficiency and precision. Thanks to Normec Robalab’s use of couriers, we are assured of a fast turnaround time. With our automated inspection and certification systems, we can also efficiently plan, conduct inspections, and submit samples to Normec Robalab.”
Taking as Many Samples as Possible at Once
During a single farm visit, Producert inspectors conduct inspections for multiple certification programs. They also collect water samples on the spot to avoid burdening the farmer with unnecessary separate visits. “For example, we collect the water samples to be analyzed at Robalab. This aspect of our service is highly appreciated. Our customers have always had their water samples collected and analyzed in a timely manner at Normec Robalab.”
Guarantee
Leo further guarantees that, thanks to Producert’s sampling, pig, cattle, and poultry farmers will always ensure timely sampling and analysis by Normec Robalab. And always in accordance with the requirements of IKB Nederland Varkens or IKB Nederland Runderen, or standards such as Natuurvlees Nederland, QS, and the 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 are happy to assist you.
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