The consultation set out proposed changes to the dairy standards to take into account recent industry work on health and welfare in the dairy herd. It also sought to define a number of current audit points to help Scheme Members demonstrate compliance more efficiently and reviewed the current set of recommendations.
Paul Tompkins, Vice-Chairman of the National Dairy Board said “It is important that we have an Assurance Scheme which is fit for purpose, relevant and reflects industry best practice. With this in mind the NFU supported a number of proposals outlined in the consultation. We were pleased to see Red Tractor responding to member concerns and removing or revising a number of recommendations which were no longer appropriate. However, our response stressed the need for standards to be outcome led, evidenced based and not prohibit productive, profitable farm businesses. Any changes need to be carefully considered and not just reactive to topical debate and cost should never be a barrier to achieving compliance.”