Red Tractor has been officially awarded a data governance certification by Farm Data Principles Ltd (FDP), meaning it operates to the “highest standards of data security, privacy, and integrity”.
The FDP, who push secure and safe data management, have a two-tier system of classification for farming organisations – Full and Provisional. These are awarded after a rigorous assessment of the data handler’s policies, procedures, and systems.
FDP performed checks on Red Tractor, finding it passed all its requirements, meaning it handles individual’s data to a high standard. They are now one of only four organisations to have been given a Full FDP Certificate to date.
Chief executive of Red Tractor Jim Moseley commented: “I am delighted to receive this endorsement for Red Tractor’s responsible handling of farm member data. It’s an area where we have a strong track record.
“Farmers need confidence that their data is being handled with all the necessary consent and security. Quite rightly this is a key priority for our members and the FDP Certificate is one way we can demonstrate how we are always looking to keep pace with best practice.”
It comes just weeks after another report from independent consultants Campbell Tickell, who found that while the company did have sound governance, some members felt its culture was “closed, top-down and controlling”.
Controversy came following the Greener Farms Commitment bolt-on which was introduced last year, with many farmers taking issue with a lack of consultation and monetary concerns.
FPD chair Professor Tina Barsby said: “Good farm data governance is essential if farmers in the UK are to have trust in companies and organisations who are bringing data tools to the market and handling on-farm data.
“Having consulted with much of the food supply chain we have formulated good farm data principles and are now ready to formally launch the certification process for those companies and organisations that can demonstrate their adherence to those principles.”
More information about the FDP can be found here.
