Upholding Red Tractor Standards

Safeguarding the reputation of UK agriculture

Every day, thousands of Red Tractor assured farmers go above and beyond, caring for their animals, producing safe food, and safeguarding the reputation of UK agriculture.

While audits 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, in some sectors we make unannounced and more frequent visits to those farms we class as higher risk and require vets to be on site on a regular basis. In more serious cases, such as where serious neglect or mistreatment of animals is found, we will suspend a farm’s certification immediately, pending investigation. Following an investigation, certification is only reinstated if we are completely satisfied our standards are met.

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 our expectations cannot remain assured. Our response to reports of activities that suggest non-compliance with our standards is always consistent, fair, and proportionate.

We 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

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.

Upholding values

We understand how important this is to the entire supply chain, particularly consumers, retailers and the farming community. Red Tractor members take their responsibilities 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.