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Red Tractor to strengthen inspection programme
Red Tractor has announced plans to carry out more unannounced farm animal inspections.
Organisation to launch its first ever television campaign

Red Tractor has announced plans to strengthen its farm animal inspection programme and broaden its regime in a bid to maintain consumer trust and promote UK food and farming standards.

The move will see Red Tractor introduce more unannounced inspections, together with the creation of additional ‘Modular Standards’. These modules could cover areas such as organic, environmentally sustainable or enriched animal welfare and will be launched with a labelling system to improve consumer clarity.

“I believe that this is one of the most exciting times in Red Tractor’s 19 year history and I am very proud to be leading us through these changes,” said Jim Moseley, CEO of Red Tractor Assurance.

“Our vision is that Red Tractor is seen by shoppers, farmers and the food industry as the flagship of British food and farming. Red Tractor is already a world-leading assurance scheme; however, we are constantly strengthening our standards in line with scientific advances and consumer demand.

“We know shoppers are increasingly looking for more informed choice and simple signposts to traceable, safe and responsibly produced food, which is why we are looking to extend the remit of Red Tractor. Increasing confidence in Red Tractor and the entire UK food industry is vital, particularly as we approach Brexit.”

To communicate its message to consumers, Red Tractor is set to launch its first ever television campaign, supported by print, digital and in-store activity.

Moseley added; “We know consumers are twice as likely to look for Red Tractor products if they know more about what it stands for, which is why it is vital we invest in large-scale communications to tell them what we do.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.