Red Tractor urges farmers to respond to consultation on future standards

“What Red Tractor is trying to do is take a gently-gently approach to worker welfare by introducing things where even the small farm can demonstrate they are taking measures to ensure the welfare of their employees.”

On animal welfare, Red Tractor is planning a shift to more outcome scoring in dairy, and intends to make outcomes a ‘much more core part’ of future standards.

New environmental protection standards will also adapt legal requirements on reducing soil erosion and nutrient run-off into measures which can be easily assessed on farm.

It is intended that the final standards will be published in June or July, with inspections beginning on November 1.

Disappointment

Farmers sitting on Red Tractor’s commodity boards previously expressed their disappointment after scheme leaders refused to delay the consultation.

Though they accepted the need to review and improve standards, they suggested early 2021 was not the right time for a consultation, with the Brexit transition period just coming to an end and Covid restrictions preventing face-to-face meetings.

But Mr Moseley said one of the benefits of lockdown was sector boards and technical advisory committees were able to meet more frequently than they would ordinarily.

He also pointed out the review had already come one year later than it typically would, and claimed there was a risk Red Tractor would ‘lose some of its value’ if standards did not keep up with consumer needs.

The consultation will close on March 5 and can be accessed at redtractor.citizenspace.com.