The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has released the second report in its series comparing English farmgate production standards with those of key international markets around the world.

The latest report focuses on EU markets including Ireland, Germany, Poland, France and the Netherlands. The reports, which are independently reviewed, evidence the current position regarding farmgate production standards at both a regulatory and voluntary level in England. This will help provide transparency for the English beef and lamb sector and the reputation that underpins it.

The report found that Red Tractor achieves a higher weighted average score than the other schemes assessed. However, the Netherlands' Beter Leven scored higher in husbandry procedures and youngstock management. It also matched Red Tractor for animal health and welfare. Germany's Quality System scheme scored the highest in livestock transport, food safety and traceability.

Tom Dracup, AHDB Red Meat Lead Analyst, said: "The publication of the second report is an important step, delivering evidence to support crucial discussions for the beef and lamb sector, including the impact of standards on farmgate returns and maximising value from standards when it comes to market access or returns.

"The report reinforces the findings of Lot 1 which reviewed Australia and New Zealand and found overall, Red Tractor scored higher than the schemes in those countries through its more prescriptive nature. Looking past the headline, exploring the nuances of the differing schemes and how this information could inform the standards landscape looking forwards remains a key focus point".

The dominant scheme in each nation were chosen for analysis. These were:

• Quality System (Germany)
• Quality Meat Poland
• Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (Ireland)
• Label Rouge (France)
• Beter Leven (Netherlands)

The beef and lamb report has been delivered by Birnie Consultancy, focusing on both the underpinning legislation and key voluntary assurance standards within each country of focus.

The report has been independently reviewed by the following experts: 

• Jude Capper – Livestock Sustainability Consultant 
• Nigel Scollan – Queens University, Institute of Global Food Security 
• Mandy Lucas – Farm Animal Welfare Consultant 
• Jonathan Statham – Veterinary Surgeon and Livestock Sustainability Consultant 

Tom Dracup added: "We look forward to sharing the final two reports later in the year, which will review North America and South America. Once we have these completed, we can draw rounded conclusions on the reports and continue to support the future direction of the English beef and lamb sector."

For more information, including a copy of the report, visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-standards-review-beef-lamb