Red Tractor opens consultations on new farming standards

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 12:28 · Archive

Red Tractor, the UK's food and farming quality assurance scheme, has opened consultations on proposed new standards across pig, poultry, combinable crops, sugar beet and fresh produce.

Red Tractor has opened consultations on proposed changes across pig, poultry, combinable crops, sugar beet and fresh produce. The consultations follow reviews into standards across beef, lamb and dairy earlier this year.

The assurance body's chief executive Paul McLaughlin said the new proposed standards aim to make Red Tractor assurance 'more practical and proportionate' whilst remaining 'robust' on food safety, animal welfare and biosecurity. He stressed that 'what we have right now are proposals, not final decisions' and that the scheme is 'fully prepared to make changes if needed'.

Mr McLaughlin described the consultations as an opportunity for farmers, growers and the wider agricultural industry to examine the proposals and provide 'honest and constructive feedback'. He invited respondents to 'tell us what works and what might need another look'.

Beyond the standards review, Red Tractor is exploring assessment frequency and how technology can better support assessments as ways to reduce audit burden while maintaining rigour. Mr McLaughlin stated that 'rebuilding trust means listening to farmers and growers, acting on their feedback and demonstrating change'.

Farmers, growers and wider industry stakeholders are encouraged to consider how the proposals would work for their operations. Respondents are asked to identify requirements that are unclear, impractical or disproportionate, and suggest workable alternatives supported by practical examples.

How it is being reported

• Red Tractor vows proposed changes not 'set in stone'MAJOR UK food and farming quality assurance scheme Red Tractor says proposed new standards being consulted across pig, poultry, combinable crops, sugar beet and fresh produce, were not 'set in stone'.NW Evening Mail · 13 Nov, 12:05
• Red Tractor vows proposed changes not 'set in stone'MAJOR UK food and farming quality assurance scheme Red Tractor says proposed new standards being consulted across pig, poultry, combinable crops, sugar beet and fresh produce, were not 'set in stone'.Westmorland Gazette · 13 Nov, 12:05
• Red Tractor vows proposed changes not 'set in stone'MAJOR UK food and farming quality assurance scheme Red Tractor says proposed new standards being consulted across pig, poultry, combinable crops, sugar beet and fresh produce, were not 'set in stone'.Cumberland News · 13 Nov, 12:05
• Red Tractor vows proposed changes not 'set in stone'MAJOR UK food and farming quality assurance scheme Red Tractor says proposed new standards being consulted across pig, poultry, combinable crops, sugar beet and fresh produce, were not 'set in stone'.Whitehaven News · 13 Nov, 12:05

In this story: Red Tractor · Paul McLaughlin · United Kingdom

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