Statement from Red Tractor Assurance
5th December 2014
Red Tractor Assurance has asked NSA to share the following information with our members:-
The Red Tractor Assurance (RTA) Beef and Lamb Sector Board meeting on Tuesday 2nd December 2014 listened to feedback from farmer representatives. Concerns about the changes to the beef and lamb standards, in particular the health planning requirements, were taken very seriously and discussed extensively by the Board. As a result the following was agreed:
- Health Planning is an important element of livestock farm management and RTA Farm Assurance. It helps farmers demonstrate to their customers and consumers that the health and welfare of their livestock is a priority for farmers.
- RTA Beef and Lamb members DO NOT have to use the Health Plan or Annual Health & Performance Review Templates which were recently sent to every member. RTA templates are intended to be a useful resource for those farmers who want to use them and who perhaps do not already have their own record/diary entry system. Their use is not compulsory (either now or in the future).
- There will be a transitional period to implement the revised aspects of the annual health performance review (Standard AH.c - culling/mortality/abattoir feedback). Assessors will check this has been done at assessments from 1st October 2015. (Elements previously in the standards will continue to be assessed now).
- RTA Beef and Lamb has undertaken to carry out a review after a full cycle of assessments to identify any changes/improvements which may be required.
