Red Tractor is strengthening its farm inspection programme with measures such as the introduction of more unannounced inspections to improve the integrity of the scheme.
The farm assurance scheme said it believes that the changes are a "vital component" in maintaining the trust of consumers and promoting high standards in food and farming.
Its objective is that every Red Tractor member adheres to these high standards, with a failure to do so carrying a risk of expulsion from the scheme.
Those farms that fail the standards will find themselves the focus of a tougher inspection regime with greater inspection frequency and unannounced inspections.
The new tougher regime has been in development for the last 12 months and will begin in November 2018 for full roll-out across all farms in 2019
Jim Moseley, CEO, Red Tractor Assurance said: “We are constantly strengthening our standards in line with scientific advances and consumer demand.
“We know shoppers are increasingly looking for more informed choice and simple signposts to traceable, safe and responsibly produced food, which is why we are looking to extend the remit of Red Tractor. Increasing confidence in Red Tractor and the entire UK food industry is vital, particularly as we approach Brexit.”
It follows news of Red Tractor announcing its new £1.5m national TV campaign, supported with print, digital and in-store activity. The campaign launched on 12th September.
