The term farm assurance was first used in Scotland in the late 1980s to describe new certification schemes established by farmers, meat processors, consumers and supporting agencies, in response to emerging consumer concerns about food production. Organisations involved included the National Farmers Union of Scotland, , the Scottish Consumer Council, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Development Board, the Meat and Livestock Commission and the Scottish Agricultural College. These schemes introduced independent, on-farm auditing of animal welfare, environmental care and staff competence.