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'.
Red Tractor has opened its consultations on proposed changes across four key sectors following reviews into standards across beef, lamb and dairy earlier this year.
The assurance body's chief executive Paul McLaughlin said the new proposed standards out for consultation were about making Red Tractor assurance ‘more practical and proportionate', whilst remaining ‘robust' on food safety, animal welfare and biosecurity.
Mr McLaughlin said: "What we have right now are proposals, not final decisions. We genuinely want to hear what people think, and we are fully prepared to make changes if needed."
He added this was an opportunity for farmers, growers and the winder agricultural industry to look closely at the proposals and to give ‘honest and constructive feedback'.
"Tell us what works and what might need another look," he added.
The consultations are part of a wider programme of change across Red Tractor. 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 adds: “Rebuilding trust means listening to farmers and growers, acting on their feedback and demonstrating change.
“At the same time, we must maintain the robustness of our standards, which play an important role in building and maintaining consumer confidence in British food.”
Farmers, growers and wider industry stakeholders are encouraged to consider how the proposals would work for their farm, crop or business. Respondents are asked to identify requirements that are unclear, impractical or disproportionate, and suggest workable alternatives supported by practical examples.
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