Overview
Established in 2000, Red Tractor is an assurance body operated by Assured Food Standards (AFS). Their label acts as an easy indication of quality for consumers, representing thorough standards in food processing. Their schemes cover animal welfare, dairy production, crops and horticulture, and are administered every 12-18 months. This is supported by media and marketing campaigns to raise the profile of assured meat.
What are the benefits?
Pigs scheme
The Pigs Scheme Standards responds to growing demand for traceability and awareness of animal welfare issues within the supply chain. The requirements include staff training and competence; livestock identification and food chain traceability; housing, shelter and handling; biosecurity and disease control, livestock transport amongst others.
Beef & lamb assurance scheme
This scheme aims to promote and develop integrated standards for farmers and handlers within the red meat industry. In addition to providing the opportunity to sell livestock to a wider market, becoming a member gives processors and consumers whole-life assurance on products. The assessment covers animal health, veterinary medicines, and waste management.
Dairy scheme
Focusing on safety, hygiene and welfare, this is a ‘first-purchaser’ scheme aimed to provide accreditation for those buying dairy products (i.e. dairy companies). Individual farmers supplying milk to companies within the scheme must also be assessed to Red Tractor standards. This proves to customers that assured products are of the highest possible standard.
Combinable crops & sugar beet scheme
Certifying product quality, this assurance covers a wide range of crops, including: wheat, barley, rye, oilseeds, pulses and sugar beet. By adhering to nationally agreed standards, certification grants producers access to wider markets.
Fresh produce scheme
Providing quality assurance for 60+ horticultural crops, certification within this scheme covers soil management, environmental protection, storage, handling and traceability. In becoming a member, you will benefit from wider market access and qualified consumer trust.
Why choose us?
Experience & expertise
One of the UK’s first providers of farm assurance, LRQA offers specialist services and solutions aimed at protecting businesses who operate within the food and drink industry. We are experts in supporting companies wishing to adhere to Red Tractor Farm Standards, assessing current compliance and providing comprehensive feedback on improvement areas.
Year-round technical support
Members of Red Tractor Farm Standards benefit from year-round technical guidance from our agriculture team, ensuring that your business remains accredited and operates towards the highest possible standards.
Efficiency
We will provide assurance audits for this scheme in Scotland and England. Where possible, we will combine audits to save you time and money. Our effective and robust audit processes ensure minimum impact on your day-to-day business.
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