The VBP+ Producer Portal is an online tool that allows certified producers to submit their annual renewals digitally. Below are a suite of resources to assist producers through the process, including accessing the portal, how to complete the assessment and how to submit your record samples.
On-Farm Assessment: Common Questions from Producers
Assessment Summary Report: A personalized summary outlining assessment results, including areas that meet the VBP+ Standard and any required or recommended follow-up actions.
Corrective Action Information (if applicable): Details on any items that require follow-up, along with guidance on how to address them within the required timelines.
Current Certificate: You can download your current, active certificate once all requirements are met.
Direct contact from your assessor: Your VBP+ assessor will reach out to you directly to arrange a date and time that works for both of you.
Re-certification reminders (if applicable): If you’re already certified, VBP+ will notify you when it is time for re-certification and next steps to schedule your assessment.
Note: If you are unsure of your assessment status or haven’t heard from an assessor, contact your assigned assessor, or contact VBP+ for help confirming your status or next steps at auditcoordinator@verifiedbeef.ca.
Resolving corrective action requests confirms that any gaps identified during your on-farm assessment have been addressed, keeping your VBP+ certification in good standing. Taking these steps supports continuous improvement, demonstrates due diligence and ensures your operation continues to meet the VBP+ Standards
Assessment summary reports belong to the producer and are not shared with anyone else. If there is any need to share the report, the request will be directed to the producer to share it individually.
For more information, email us at auditcoordinator@verifiedbeef.ca
About Records Assessments and Self-Declarations
The VBP+ certification program is centered around annual assessments that span a five year cycle. The first year (Year 1) is the on-farm assessment where an assessor is assigned to evaluate your operation through interview, records review and a walk through. Upon the completion of the assessment, the producer receives a written report, certificate and any Corrective Action Requests (CAR’s) assigned by the assessor.
The assessments for the next four years are a combination of Records Assessments, and Self-Declarations. The assessments, generally, follow the same pattern,
Year 2 – Records Assessment
Year 3 – Self-Declaration
Year 4 – Records Assessment
Year 5 – Self-Declaration
To complete a Records Assessment, the operation will submit a sampling of the records that were reviewed at their initial audit. This gives the program the confidence that the practices assessed on farm are still in place.
To complete a Self-Declaration assessment, the process is very similar to a Records Assessment year with the same process of notification. The difference is that the operation does not need to submit a sampling of records, they simply assess themselves on the questions presented. A qualified reviewer will review the assessment and send the operation their renewed certificate.
A renewals coordinator will reach out to the operation 60 days prior to the anniversary date of their initial assessment, usually by email. The email will explain which records are to be submitted and how to submit them as well as contact information for our renewals coordinators who are available to assist with the process. The operation will get a reminder again at 30 days prior to the assessment due date, on the anniversary date, and 30 and 60 days after.
During the assessment, the operation has the opportunity to assess themselves on a subsection of the same questions that were asked during the initial on-farm assessment and demonstrate any changes they have made to their practices or processes. A qualified reviewer or assessor will review the assessment and, if applicable, assign any Corrective Action Requests (CAR’s) to address any gaps. The operation is sent a summary report (for a records assessment only) and their renewed certificate, after any CAR’s are resolved.
Catalina Oitzl
587-324-0320
Michelle Ward
587-324-0989
Our renewals coordinators are available by email or by phone to assist our certified producers through the process.
Resources
Producer Portal Instructional Video:
