NSA responds to Red Tractor proposals

Red Tractor’s response to the Farm Assurance Review, released yesterday (Tuesday 25th March), is, overall, pleasing, and should be welcomed as a landmark moment in UK farm assurance, says National Sheep Association (NSA) Vice President Bryan Griffiths.

However, NSA remains concerned over the lack of action by the six ownership bodies regarding the recommendation that the purpose of assurance must be clarified and reset.

Mr Griffiths, who is a sheep and beef farmer in North Devon adds: “We see defining the purpose of Red Tractor as a fundamental starting point to building a functioning scheme.”

Importantly, Mr Griffiths said it was pleasing that Red Tractor accepts the Farm Assurance Review in totality, highlighting the following critical elements for UK sheep farmers. 

• Red Tractor has committed to a move to a more sector-specific approach, something NSA has long called for.
• A move to risk-based audits with less frequent inspections for consistently compliant farms is to be welcomed.
• NSA hopes to play a significant role in the recommended “deep dive” into existing standards to reduce complexity and audit burden.

“We look forward to discussions on the process and recruitment of Sector Board members,” he adds. “NSA see this as vital to ensure our members’ voices are heard.

“David Llewellyn’s (Commissioner for the review) role of monitoring progress of the recommendations is critical to maintaining momentum to bring about swift, tangible change.”

This follows a detailed review of Red Tractor which yielded nine strategic and 56 detailed recommendations from farming organisations. Progress will be monitored by Dr David Llewellyn, former Harper Adams University vice-chancellor.

Red Tractor has committed to three key pledges on a path to ‘tangible positive change’: 

1. Reduce audit burden, while maintaining rigorous standards
2. Priorities laid out in the review will see immediate action, with collaboration on complex issues
3. Ongoing updates and transparency, with regular progress reports

Find the full review here.