Red Tractor clarifies stance on inspections during current backlog

Red Tractor has confirmed will not take action against farms that are failing to comply with scheme standards due to factors currently out of their control. 

The scheme's pigs board chairman Stewart Houston said he wanted to 'give members clarity, provide peace of mind and tackle unhelpful misinformation at this time of heightened sensitivity'. 

He said he and the Red Tractor team were ‘acutely aware of the extreme difficulties faced by pig producers, and we are doing all that we can to support them’.

"I want to reassure members that during this time, no action has been taken against any farmers where our standards on farm have not been met because of circumstances beyond their control," Mr Houston said.

“While members normally have 28 days to address any non-conformances, we are working with them on a case-by-case basis to offer extensions where possible.

“Non-conformances will be recorded in the usual way, as is our legal obligation. This information is valuable in demonstrating the scale of the problem and making the case for greater support for the sector in our meetings with government. As ever, pig welfare is the top priority for all involved. We need to make sure that proper oversight of any issues, such as overstocking are being managed in the best way possible.”

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said: “Red Tractor has been working constructively with the NPA to ensure producers are not unfairly penalised for non-conformances caused by this crisis, while taking account of its legal obligation to record these. We will continue to make the case for greater industry support at this unprecedented time.”

In the past month, Red Tractor’s chair, Christine Tacon, and chief executive, Jim Moseley have met with Defra minister Victoria Prentis to impress upon her the scale and impact of the supply chain problems.

Mr Houston has also been attending and in regular contact with Defra, the NPA, NFU, processors and other industry stakeholders to ensure the scheme is fully abreast of the challenges faced by the sector. 

“We continue to back our members by encouraging millions of consumers to buy British. Throughout October we are investing more than £250,000 in digital, print advertising and social media activity,” he said.