Red Tractor, the UK’s largest UK food standards scheme, will be making changes to its chicken assurance scheme from 1 November 2021.
The changes are a result of listening to industry feedback and consultation with Red Tractor members. For the first time in its history, Red Tractor opened the process to its 46,000 members and the entire food supply chain, making it the scheme’s largest and most transparent consultation ever.
It is hoped the changes will balance the needs of farmers with the evolving demands of shoppers and the supply chain.
The revised farm standards will apply from 1 November 2021 and some of the key changes which affect the poultry industry, include;
Enrichment now needs to be provided in the laying house by day 3 at the latest
Free range and enhanced welfare standards require only slower-growing breeds
A heat stress policy must be demonstrably implemented on the farm
All farms with workers must also have a written Health and Safety policy
Standards on Mycoplasma testing are being strengthened for breeder layers.
The turnaround times between flocks on farm must now be no less than 5 calendar days
“We set out to hear from all stakeholders and to engage as much of the farming community as possible, and I’m delighted by the amount of feedback that was generated by the review. This has been enormously helpful for informing the work to finalise the new version of the standards”
To read in detail about the key changes for your farming business, click here.
Humphrey Feeds and Pullets
We have been working in poultry since 1932 and are fully focused on helping independent, free range and organic egg producers to achieve optimal performance from their flocks.
If you would like to find out more about Humphrey Feeds and Pullets and how we can help you optimise the laying performance of your flock please email us on enquiries@hfandp.co.uk or call us on 01962 764555.
