How Red Tractor responds to exposés 

Our shared defence: high welfare, every day

The strongest defence is consistent, high-quality animal care. While CCTV, whistleblowing, and monitoring can help identify problems, the most effective protection comes from preventing poor practices from occurring in the first place.

Red Tractor standards provide a clear framework for good practice, support legal compliance, and give customers confidence in the products they buy. However, assessments alone are not enough. Real protection comes from a culture of continuous care on all farms – including family-run farms where there are no employed staff.

Building a culture of continuous care on every farm:

• Standards understood by everyone on the farm
• Ongoing training
• Active supervision
• Immediate correction of any lapses

Why this matters to every farm

Exposés can: 

• Harm individual businesses
• Undermine confidence in British livestock farming
• Increase pressure from retailers
• Open the door to overseas competition

In response, food buyers increasingly expect demonstratable, independent assurance. Red Tractor remains a key part of providing that assurance, but only if standards are consistently upheld.

Red Tractor’s role – fair, firm and proportionate

A farm cannot remain Red Tractor assured unless standards are met. Our response to reports of activities that suggest non-compliance with our standards is always consistent, fair, and proportionate.

We want to work with those involved 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 spot checks where necessary
• Seek to verify all evidence
• Defend members against inaccurate or unfair claims
• Suspend assurance only when a clear breach is confirmed

Investigations may include:

• Expert assessments and veterinary input
• Implementation 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.

If you’re contacted by activists, campaigners, or the media

Do not respond straight away.

We recommend that you avoid:

• Talking to journalists
• Posting or commenting online
• Sharing photos or videos
• Responding to accusations directly

Even well-intentioned responses can make the situation worse.

What to do instead:

• Call your farming representative, (e.g. NFU, NFUS, UFU, NFU Cymru) or trade body, (e.g. NSA, NBA, NPA). They are experienced in handling activist campaigns and will guide you on next steps.
• Contact Red Tractor.
• You can also seek help from: your vet, your certification body, support organisations (e.g. FCN).

Getting support early is the best way to protect your farm, your staff, and your business.