Technical updates

Reminder of Standards changes | Dairy and Beef & Lamb Technical Briefings | Primary and Site contacts

Reminder: 1 February updates to Red Tractor Standards

In the last edition of Member Matters, we shared upcoming changes to Red Tractor standards for the livestock and fresh produce sectors. Taking effect from 1 February, these updates align with new legislation and industry challenges.

Developed in collaboration with Sector Board representatives, industry experts, and government stakeholders, by proactively adapting to industry developments, Red Tractor helps members stay ahead of legislative changes, market expectations, and emerging risks, ultimately strengthening the integrity and reputation of UK agriculture.

We recognise the importance of working closely with members. That’s why we are committed to improving engagement, listening to feedback, and ensuring that any changes to standards are both practical and effective.

Through ongoing dialogue and consultation, we aim to make the standards work for everyone, supporting farmers while maintaining the trust and confidence of consumers and retailers.

Click the buttons to find information about the changing standards in each sector

Beef & Lamb

Chicken

Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet

Click here for the previous edition of Member Matters for more details of what is changing

New Technical Briefings for Dairy and Beef & Lamb Members

Earlier this month, we shared a Technical Briefing with our Dairy members, providing important details about the upcoming changes to standards, effective from 1 February 2025.

Dairy members: Important to know from February 2025

We’re aligning our animal medicine standards with recent updates to the Veterinary Medicine Regulations.

This will bring tighter controls on prophylactic antibiotic use and more rigorous record-keeping for vets prescribing medication.

Click to read the Dairy Technical Briefing January 2025

Beef & Lamb members: Important to know from February 2025

We’re incorporating DEFRA’s animal health and welfare principles into Beef & Lamb standards and aligning with the latest legislative changes to animal medicine.

Click to read the Beef & Lamb Technical Briefing January 2025

Ensuring Effective Engagement: Identifying the Right Contacts for Red Tractor Certification

In the previous edition of Member Matters we let you know about some changes to our Member Rules that came into effect at the start of the year.

We have refined a few of the Rules to improve clarity, consistency, and accountability. This is to reduce ambiguity and prevent misinterpretation which in turn strengthens the integrity of our certification process.

At your next membership renewal your Certification Body will ask you to designate a Primary Contact and, if applicable, a Site Contact.   

How will Red Tractor and Certification Bodies use the details provided:

The Primary Contact acts as the main point of contact for Certification Bodies and assessors. They will coordinate audits and handle communications regarding applications, renewals, non-conformance resolutions, and any certificate suspensions or withdrawals.

The Site Contact is the person that ensures that Red Tractor standards are effectively implemented on the farm. They will receive Red Tractor communications, including Member Matters, Technical Briefings, post-assessment surveys, and updates on scheme and standard changes.

While many farms will have one person managing both roles, businesses with distinct operational structures, such as those in Poultry, Pig, and Fresh Produce sectors, may need to assign separate contacts. Providing accurate details at renewal will help Certification Bodies and Red Tractor engage with the appropriate personnel enhancing certification efficiency and compliance with Red Tractor standards.

We are committed to actively engage with our members, ensuring they receive the right information tailored to their roles and responsibilities is key.