VBP+ Audit Pattern

Audits Now 5 Year Cycle

VBP+ Audit Pattern Jan 2019

Note 1: A random audit may occur in any of the two Self-Declaration (S) years.

Note 2: For cattle operations audited prior to September 2018 the annual assessment pattern remains with the 8-year cycle. When entering a 9th year, cattle operations will move to the 5 year cycle.

Note 3: Beef cattle operations meeting VBP+ requirements in an exemplary manner may be moved to a 6 year cycle based on performance.

This annual assessment pattern is similar to other agricultural commodity programs in Canada. The initial on-site validation audit is a requirement of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) food safety recognition program. VBP+ has adjusted its annual assessment to a 5 year cycle to meet requirements as a certification body for the Sustainable Beef Production Standard owned by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB).

In years 2 and 4 certified beef cattle operations submit a sample of records for review, to demonstrate due diligence and adherence to VBP+ program requirements.

In years 3 and 5 the assessment cycle certified beef cattle operations complete a Self-Declaration with its associated checklist. This is submitted by the operation as a review of conformance with VBP+ program requirements.

Provincial VBP+ coordinators will inform VBP+ certified cattle operations when they are due for annual assessments ahead of the anniversary date. A window of two (2) months is allowed to make sure it isn't due in a busy time period for the cattle operation.