At the heart of British farming practice is a shared commitment to integrity, responsibility, and high standards.
Every day, thousands of Red Tractor assured sites and their teams go above and beyond, caring for their animals, producing safe food, and safeguarding the reputation of UK agriculture.
While audits to Red Tractor Standards provide a snapshot in time, assurance is about continuous care. Farmers make a promise to uphold our standards every day, not just on the day of the assessment.
To hold farmers to this promise, we may make more frequent and unannounced visits to those businesses which require a closer monitoring of ability to maintain compliance. It may be that we also ask for more third party engagement on the farm, such as vet visits to provide independent confirmation of actions.
We also provide an anonymous whistle-blowing service and actively encourage anyone with concerns to raise these as soon as possible so that we can investigate.
Dealing with concerns
When concerns arise, we act decisively, proportionately and consistently, investigating thoroughly, requiring corrective measures, and monitoring ongoing compliance. Farms that cannot meet out expectations cannot remain assured.
In more serious cases, such as where serious neglect or mistreatment of animals is reported, a farm’s certification can be suspended, pending investigation. Certification is only reinstated if all parties are completely satisfied our standards are met.
We work with the independent certification body to review the evidence, verify any claims of non-compliance – correcting misinformation where necessary – and find a resolution that maintains customer confidence, as quickly as possible.
When footage or allegations are received, Red Tractor will:
- Review and triage evidence
- Consult experts and vets, if needed
- Conduct a spot check, where necessary
- Seek to verify all evidence
- Call out inaccurate or unfair claims against a member
- Suspend assurance only when a clear breach of our standards is confirmed
Investigations
Investigations may include:
- Expert assessments and veterinary input
- Implementing of special conditions, such as: additional training or reassignment, veterinary inspections, unannounced spot checks, CCTV installation for ongoing monitoring.
The process may take days or weeks depending on the complexity, but cooperation and transparency accelerate resolution.
Upholding values
We understand how important the reputation of British agriculture is to the entire supply chain, particularly consumers, retailers and the farming community. Red Tractor members take their responsibility seriously and are proud to uphold the values our scheme represents.
The Red Tractor logo stands for something real: food produced responsibly, to high standards, by people who care.
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