Latest news with #RedTractor
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lidl says ‘we will not compromise on standards' while affirming ‘commitment to British farmers'
Lidl has announced that it is standing firm on its "commitment to British farmers" as they confirmed that they will "not compromise on standards". The supermarket giant confirmed it will continue sourcing 100% fresh, British beef across all its stores, and has no plans to import or switch sourcing to beef suppliers outside of Great Britain. Lidl GB vowed to maintain its long-term support for British producers and farmers, ensuring its customers can continue to rely on the discounter for locally and responsibly sourced, high-quality fresh beef at market-leading value. READ MORE: Foreign Office issue stream of travel alerts following US strikes on Iran READ MORE: 'I was kicked out of Dubai and flown back to Manchester over my tattoos' The discount supermarket's fresh beef range is all Red Tractor Assured, which ensures that food safety, animal welfare, traceability, and environmental protection are all taken care of throughout the food chain. Lidl has written to Red Tractor, The National Farmers' Union, and its suppliers to reassure them on this commitment and pledge ongoing support for the British agricultural sector. Richard Bourns, Lidl GB Chief Commercial Officer, said: 'British farming is recognised globally for its high standards of animal welfare, food safety and environmental stewardship. At Lidl, we know these values matter to our customers, which is why we proudly support and champion British agriculture. 'As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain, our commitment to these principles has never been stronger. We will not compromise on standards even if others choose to do so. Our commitment goes beyond maintaining high standards - it's about standing by British farmers when they need us most and doing what's right for our customers.' Lidl established itself in Great Britain in 1994 and today has more than 35,000 employees across its 980 stores and 14 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.
The Guardian
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Calls to ban restrictive pens for pregnant pigs after analysis of footage from Devon farm
The use of restrictive pens to temporarily house pregnant pigs in the UK severely compromises their welfare can traumatise them and should be banned, experts have said. Analysis by Animal Equality UK of footage collected from a farm in Devon, England, showed that three mother pigs in farrowing crates spent more than 90% of their time lying down, with one not standing up at all for a day. On average, between them they bit the bars (a sign of extreme stress) more than once an hour. The farm is part of the Red Tractor scheme, used to mark food produced to a 'high standard' and supplies Tesco. Animal Equality UK says it is illustrative of the wider problem with farrowing crates, with more than 200,000 sows confined in them each year in the UK. Dr Helen Lambert, who is on the stakeholder advisory board for the Animal Welfare Research Network, was one of several experts who analysed the footage, which was collected continuously across five days. She said: 'All three pigs spent most of their time lying down – considerably more time than postpartum pigs, who can move more freely. Throughout the footage, the sows can be seen engaging in two key stereotypic behaviours: sham chewing and bar-biting… They are usually born out of frustration and stress due to an animal's inability to perform normal, instinctive behaviours.' 'The mental state of these three pigs is severely compromised.' Animal Equality UK's report says sows will spend nearly a quarter of their lives (22%) in farrowing crates before, during and after birth when they are lactating. The crates supposedly prevent sows crushing their crushing piglets by restricting their movement, but have been banned in several countries because of animal welfare concerns. Prof Steve McCulloch, fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, also reviewed Animal Equality UK's findings and said: 'The principal 'benefit' of farrowing crates is not to reduce piglet mortality, but to minimise production costs … Breeding sows are very likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder once they have been removed from the farrowing crates at weaning.' Animal Equality UK said the footage also showed one pig did not touch the enrichment provided (a plastic stick or wooden block) during the five-day period, none of the pigs were able to walk, root, or nest and the lights were on continuously. The National Pig Association (NPA) and Red Tractor both said they were supportive of producers moving away from conventional farrowing systems towards flexible ones whereby the crate is opened once the piglets are more robust. An NPA spokesperson said: 'This transition must be within a sensible timeframe and supported by the market and/or by infrastructure grants in order to make it viable for producers and not push businesses out of pig production.' But the report says such systems are 'ethically indefensible' in failing to address core welfare issues and piglet mortality is often higher in 'flexible' pens than traditional crates. Abigail Penny, the executive director of Animal Equality UK, said: 'Cages must be banned. Forcing intelligent mother pigs to eat, sleep, and defecate in a highly cramped space is unimaginably cruel. Such extreme confinement takes a terrible toll on the animals, who – unable to escape – inevitably become hopeless and traumatised.' A Tesco spokesperson said: 'We take animal welfare matters extremely seriously and immediately suspended the farm when we became aware of this footage last year. We have worked closely with the supplier and only allowed the farm to return into our supply once both Red Tractor and our specialist agriculture team were satisfied that robust action had been taken. The farm continues to be monitored by our supplier to ensure conditions have improved.' WJ Watkins and Son, which owns Cross Farm in Holsworthy, Devon, where the filming took place, was also approached for comment.
North Wales Live
04-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Wowcher's massive Toby Carvery deal feeds four for £8 each and is ideal for Father's Day
Father's Day is just around the corner and there's less than two weeks to go. If you're looking for a treat for dad, maybe on a budget, Wowcher has some fab options. This includes a great deal at Toby Carvery, which feeds four people for £8 each. The Wowcher voucher offers two courses for two adults for £22.99, for a family of two adults and one child for £27.99, or for a family of two adults and two children for £32.99, saving you up to 37% off Toby Carvery's prices. If this is the type of gift you are looking for, too, but have a bit more of a budget, Virgin Experience Days are offering a three-course dinner with a cocktail for two at the Fortnum & Mason bar and restaurant at Royal Exchange for £99. But if dad is a meat and two veg guy then then the Toby Carvery voucher could be for you. Whether you're treating yourself or sharing with family, this deal ensures everyone leaves satisfied. For over 30 years, Toby Carvery has been serving up delicious roasts across the UK. With meats sourced from UK grass-fed or free-range farms the roasts also meet Red Tractor standards. Enjoy tender meats, freshly prepared vegetables, crispy roasties, and all the trimmings, including their famous Yorkshire puddings. Vegetarian and vegan options ensure there's something for everyone. Groupon is offering a Tomahawk steak meal for four with cocktails at Blend Bar & Grill for £77.95. Starters at Toby Carvery include a king prawn cocktail, mini pigs in blankets, and loaded roasted potatoes with bacon. Mains include the carvery, salmon, and dill wellington and vegan mushroom bourguignon pie. Desserts include chocolate fudge cake, apple pie, and home-baked cookie dough brownie. You can book online or walk in; however, expect waiting times during peak periods without a reservation. Please check the specific location on the Toby Carvery website as hours may vary. And if you're not up for a roast, Pizza Hut are offering the feast for four for £49.99.
Wales Online
04-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Wowcher's massive Toby Carvery deal feeds four for £8 each and is ideal for Father's Day
Wowcher's massive Toby Carvery deal feeds four for £8 each and is ideal for Father's Day If you are looking for a wallet-saving Father's Day treat, Wowcher could be the place for you This is a great Toby Carvery deal (Image: Groupon ) Father's Day is just around the corner and there's less than two weeks to go. If you're looking for a treat for dad, maybe on a budget, Wowcher has some fab options. This includes a great deal at Toby Carvery, which feeds four people for £8 each. The Wowcher voucher offers two courses for two adults for £22.99, for a family of two adults and one child for £27.99, or for a family of two adults and two children for £32.99, saving you up to 37% off Toby Carvery's prices. SPA TREATMENT: Macdonald Hotels offering Elemis spa treatment with free beauty gift worth over £100 FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS: Father's Day gift ideas to make the old man smile! If this is the type of gift you are looking for, too, but have a bit more of a budget, Virgin Experience Days are offering a three-course dinner with a cocktail for two at the Fortnum & Mason bar and restaurant at Royal Exchange for £99. But if dad is a meat and two veg guy then then the Toby Carvery voucher could be for you. Whether you're treating yourself or sharing with family, this deal ensures everyone leaves satisfied. For over 30 years, Toby Carvery has been serving up delicious roasts across the UK. With meats sourced from UK grass-fed or free-range farms the roasts also meet Red Tractor standards. Enjoy tender meats, freshly prepared vegetables, crispy roasties, and all the trimmings, including their famous Yorkshire puddings. Vegetarian and vegan options ensure there's something for everyone. Groupon is offering a Tomahawk steak meal for four with cocktails at Blend Bar & Grill for £77.95. Starters at Toby Carvery include a king prawn cocktail, mini pigs in blankets, and loaded roasted potatoes with bacon. Mains include the carvery, salmon, and dill wellington and vegan mushroom bourguignon pie. Desserts include chocolate fudge cake, apple pie, and home-baked cookie dough brownie. You can book online or walk in; however, expect waiting times during peak periods without a reservation. Article continues below Please check the specific location on the Toby Carvery website as hours may vary. And if you're not up for a roast, Pizza Hut are offering the feast for four for £49.99.
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Red Tractor appoints first farmer as chair
The Ownership Body of Assured Food Standards (AFS), responsible for the Red Tractor food assurance programme, has announced the appointment of Alistair Mackintosh as chair of the AFS board of directors. The appointment follows what the body has described as a 'comprehensive and rigorous selection process'. In a joint statement, the Ownership Body said: 'Alistair brings a wealth of experience and continuity to the role, having served as interim chair during a pivotal period for Red Tractor. 'Under his leadership, the organisation has made significant progress in responding to the Campbell Tickell and Farm Assurance Reviews, with key recommendations now actively being adopted. 'His appointment reflects the Ownership Body's confidence in his ability to lead Red Tractor forward with clarity, integrity, and a strong commitment to robust assurance standards.' Red Tractor appointment The Ownership Body said it has also accepted the Campbell Tickell and Farm Assurance Reviews' recommendations that, in addition to its current responsibilities in regard to appointment of AFS board members and chair and adoption of the annual report, the body should play a more active role. While the AFS board will retain full responsibility for the governance of the organisation, the Ownership Body said it will support the chair as the AFS board considers the recommendations of both reviews. Alistair Mackintosh, a Cumbrian beef, sheep and arable farmer, has been serving as interim chair of Red Tractor since 1 July 2024. Mackintosh said: 'I am honoured to be appointed chair of Red Tractor, an organisation that I believe has a central role to play in ensuring confidence in British food and farming. 'I am totally committed to rebuilding farmer's trust in Red Tractor. There's a great deal of work to do and I look forward to working with the Ownership Body, AFS board and Red Tractor team as we continue to deliver the improvements needed.' Mackintosh is the first farmer to be appointed as chair of the AFS board in the programme's 25-year history. He has a long history of championing the farming industry and has previously served as National Farming Union (NFU) livestock chairman and as a member of the NFU Council. Prior to his appointment as interim chair, Mackintosh held the positions of cice-chair on the AFS board and chair of the Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Sector Board. Last August he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cumbrian Farming Awards. Red Tractor's Ownership Body The Red Tractor food assurance programme is owned and run by the registered company Assured Food Standards (AFS). AFS is owned by a coalition of trade bodies: NFU; NFU Scotland,; Ulster Farmers Union (UFU); Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB); Dairy UK; the British Retail Consortium. Each owner organisation provides the 'limited by guarantee' of £1 to AFS, which operates as a not-for-profit company. The Food and Drink Federation is also an observer of the Ownership Body. Red Tractor is the UK's largest food and farm assurance scheme, and the only one assuring the entire food supply chain – from animal welfare and food safety to traceability and environmental protection.
