Red Tractor earns data governance certification

Red Tractor has gained a Farm Data Principles (FDP) Certificate of Registration, independently verifying that it operates to the highest standards of data security, privacy and integrity.

The assurance body said FDP is a respected authority in the agricultural sector, dedicated to promoting and verifying best practices in data handling.

Their new two tier certification process - Full and Provisional - for farming organisations involves a rigorous assessment of the data handler’s policies, procedures, and systems. FDP perform checks and balances on each data handler statement to ensure that the organisation manages data in line with the data principles.

Red Tractor is one of only four organisations to be granted a Full FDP Certificate to date. The certificate provides additional reassurance to farmers and consumers across the UK.

Red Tractor Chief Executive Jim Moseley commented: “I am delighted to receive this endorsement for Red Tractor's responsible handling of farm member data.

"It’s an area where we have a strong track record. Farmers need confidence that their data is being handled with all the necessary consent and security. Quite rightly this is a key priority for our members and the FDP Certificate is one way we can demonstrate how we are always looking to keep pace with best practice.”

Red Tractor operates a range of data protection measures, such as limiting the use and storage of member data, encrypting and anonymising sensitive data, conducting regular data audits and reviews, and providing clear and transparent data policies and consents.

These measures ensure that Red Tractor respects the privacy and confidentiality of its members and handles their data with the utmost care and responsibility.

The assurance body said that, as technology advances, it will continue review and revise our security measures, providing farmers the reassurance that we will always protect their data.

Farm Data Principles Ltd chair Professor Tina Barsby OBE said: “Good farm data governance is essential if farmers in the UK are to have trust in companies and organisations who are bringing data tools to the market and handling on-farm data.

"Having consulted with much of the food supply chain we have formulated good farm data principles and are now ready to formally launch the certification process for those companies and organisations that can demonstrate their adherence to those principles."