The Agricultural Lime Association (ALA) has created the AgLime Quality Standard (AQS) so that farmers have confidence in the quality of the lime they are buying.

 This new independent and voluntary standard is the first assurance benchmark within the UK fertiliser sector for agricultural lime products. It is an industry-led initiative that requires all participating lime producers to undertake annual tests to check they are compliant with UK national or EU regulatory standards.

The standard includes tests to measure reactivity, neutralising value, fineness as well as calcium and magnesium content. Reactivity, a new efficacy factor in the UK measures the balance of neutralising value and fineness providing guidance on a products speed of reaction.  

Maximising mineral or organic nutrient efficiency in a balanced soil environment is crucial to optimising yield potential. AQS accreditation provides buyers with confidence that the lime they are buying has been independently verified as meeting a recognised standard. Farmers need to have confidence in the specification of the inputs they are applying to their soil, in order to get optimum results. Buying AQS accredited products provides farmers with the reassurance that they are getting a very high quality, premium product.

Registered producers with certificated products will be permitted to use the AQS certified product logo for the specific site, products, and materials that have qualified.  Additionally, a certificate (specific to the producer, site or product) with a one-year-validity will be issued by the Mineral Products Association (MPA).

Further, the 'Producers' database on the new app will feature the AQS logo adjacent to certified producers when it is released.

Francis Flower Commercial Director, and Chairman of the Agricultural Lime Association, Mick Stovin, is delighted to be involved in the scheme:

"The AQS provides farmers with added reassurance that the lime they are buying has been independently verified as meeting a recognised standard. Farmers need to have confidence in the specification of the inputs they are applying to their soil, in order to get the results they require and expect." 

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