From 1st October 2011, Certification Bodies will start assessing Red Tractor Assurance (RTA) farm members against the revised RTA Farm scheme standards.

The revisions are the result of a regular review of the standards to ensure they continue to be in line with legislation and reflect good agricultural practice consistent with industry needs and expectations. The review involved experts from across the industry and farming sectors and included a public consultation in spring 2011.

All RTA farm members received notification of the planned revision of standards in the June member newsletter.  In addition, they should also recently have received further notice of the changes from their individual Certification Body or milk first purchaser.

David Clarke, CEO at Red Tractor Assurance said: ‘At Red Tractor, we’re committed to ensuring high standards in food and farming. This latest review helps to ensure that the Red Tractor standards continue to progress in line with the latest industry needs without adding unnecessary costs or complexity’ 

‘Farmers are advised to check they meet the revised requirements and prepare for their audits in advance by reading the RTA Farm scheme addendums they have been sent or downloading a copy from the RTA website www.redtractorassurance.org.uk.’