Red Tractor launch quick guide

A new Quick Guide summarising the standards and rules of the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Beef and Lamb Scheme has been published and sent to more than 21,000 members in England.

The A5 leaflet summarises how the beef and lamb scheme works including how to join, choice of certification bodies, assessment criteria and how to maintain assurance once certified. It lists the Scheme standards together with the most common areas of non-conformance picked up by assessors. To help farmers prepare for an assessment, the standards which require a record are highlighted, and tick boxes are provided so a quick

self-assessment can be done to make sure everything is in order.

The Quick Guide was put together following comments from members that the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Scheme manual was too large and off putting. Philippa Wiltshire, Beef and Lamb Sector Manager, said: "We hope this Quick Guide will provide members with what they have been asking for and also help explain briefly what new members need to know about how the Scheme works."

The Red Tractor Scheme is the main beef and lamb farm assurance scheme in England with over 21,000 members who join through one of three licensed certification bodies (NSF-CMI, PAI and SAI Global FABBL). Successfully completing the assessment and

becoming farm assured enables beef and lamb farmers to take advantage of preferential prices and expand the number of outlets animals can be marketed to as many buyers insist on farm assured livestock.

"As record keeping is often the area where farmers slip up we have highlighted all standards which require a record and templates for each can be found in the full Scheme manual," added Mrs Wiltshire. "It is important though that members understand this Quick Guide does not replace the full Scheme manual which they will still need as it provides the detailed rules and standards."