Becoming a Registered VBP Operation Requires:

  • Training Done. Attend a VBP on-site workshop, tele-workshop or complete on-line (internet) training to learn about the program; (To learn more about training go to Program Training)

  • Practices in Place. Ensure all applicable required good agricultural practices are in place (all applicable grey shaded items in the VBP program manual);

  • Records Established. Keep a clear record keeping system for meat safety related practices (minimum time span at start: 6 months for cow/calf and 3 months for feedlot);

  • On-Farm Audit Completed. Successfully complete an on-farm audit, demonstrating to a third party auditor that the program requirements have been met.

      To Start the Registration Process (book an on-farm audit)

        Step 1 – Determining if Your Ready

      • Review the factsheet “Preparing for an Audit” and/or the VBP program manual . This will help you determine if you are ready for the audit process as the checklists and grey shaded areas (in the manual) will be an excellent review of the majority of the areas the auditor will cover.

        Step 2 – Requesting the Audit

      • If you feel your ready, complete the 1 page "pre-registration request form"" and return it to the program coordinator by mail, email or fax: Annette Moore, BC-Verified Beef Production Program Coordinator; Quality First in Agriculture Inc.; Mail: 3732 Millar Court, Abbotsford, BC., V2S 7K5; Fax: (604) 648-8761; or, Email: VBP@cattlemen.bc.ca

        Step 3 – Setting Up a Time for the Visit

      • Once the audit request form is received by the coordinator the auditor will contact you by email or phone to determine a mutually agreed upon date for the visit.

        Step 4 – The Visit

      • On the day of the on-farm audit the auditor will review your applicable records and practices and verify with you and any staff or family that you meet all the required (greyed) items in the manual. You will receive after the visit a report and if needed, an outline of any items needing adjustment. The visit will likely only take about an hour or so, more if your operation and/or records are more complex.

        Step 5 - Payment

      • There are no payments required at the time of the visit. The annual registration fee of $100 is billed in Oct of every year you remain registered.

        Step 6 – On-going Commitment

      • To maintain your registration status from one year to the next you will be annually audited. Complete program reviews (i.e. on-farm audit) will not be required every year – some years will be a partial review that involves an off-farm record assessment, while in other years, only a self-declaration of your commitment is required. For details on the audit cycle see the factsheet, “Preparing for an Audit”.