Red Tractor have now released updated guidance to all members of the pig assurance scheme, providing information regarding the implications that COVID-19 is going to have for UK farms. Please read below for the information from Red Tractor.
Red Tractor:
We understand that the fast-moving Covid-19 situation is creating lots of questions for Red Tractor pig scheme members. With the possibility of changes to contracts, staff shortages, issues with transport or supplies, we appreciate you may face an extremely challenging few months ahead. Here is a short FAQ, which we hope will address some of these issues.
My vet is unable to carry out my quarterly vet visit, will I get a non-conformance?
A. Please be assured that your Red Tractor certification will not be affected due to your vet not being able to conduct your quarterly visit during this period of social distancing. Red Tractor is working closely with the Pig Veterinary Society to explore whether remote veterinary certification might be possible. Once plans have been agreed, we’ll let you know what you need to do to meet our requirements regarding quarterly visits. In the meantime, we urge you to get in touch with your vet if you have concerns about pig health and welfare on your unit.
My vet is unable to visit to sign-off staff as competent in certain farm tasks. Can they carry out these tasks and get signed off when my vet is able to visit?
A. In order to comply with the standards, certain tasks such as injecting pigs and euthanasia can only be carried out by people deemed competent by a vet. However, the standards do permit the tasks to be carried out by someone not yet signed off, if they are supervised by another member of staff that has been signed off by the vet. However please remember staff will need to keep to the government social distancing guidance of remaining 2 meters apart.
Can I add an additional unit to my membership?
A. Please get in touch with your Certification Body in the first instance to discuss this. We anticipate that it will be possible to certify an additional unit following a remote assessment.
I can’t be compliant with a standard because I’m dependent on a third-party service. What should I do?
A. There are various examples where, to remain compliant, members are dependent on third-party services. During the course of the assessment should there be a standard or an element of a standard that requires a service from a third-party, and you are unable to provide the evidence that this has been undertaken, then a non-conformance will be raised. However, the period for you to demonstrate compliance (normally 28 days) may be extended by your Certification Body, to allow for the current situation. This will also be taken into consideration when categorising members as part of the Risk-Based Approach. If you have such non-conformances from a recent assessment that you are unable to rectify within the normal 28-day period, please contact your Certification Body immediately to discuss an extension to the time period for supplying the corrective evidence required.
I farm alone and am too sick to look after my animals. What should I do?
A. You must invoke your contingency plan and ensure the welfare of your animals is maintained. Consider contacting a neighbour or farmer friend who may be able to help in an urgent situation. It may also be worthwhile contacting a farming union or association to see what advice and support they can offer.
