Widespread misuse of tractor logo
21 July 2000
Widespread misuse of tractor logo
By FWi staff
FARMERS For Action has called for Tony Blair to intervene after the British Farm Standard logo to promote British food was found on imported produce.
Misuse of the logo, which shows a red tractor with blue wheels on a white background, is widespread according to FFA member Richard Haddock.
“From Scotland to Northern Ireland, from Cornwall to Wales, we are finding the logo on stuff it should not be on. It is happening day after day,” he said.
“Even in Sainsburys despite all the bad publicity when the logo was found on New Zealand lamb on the Sainsburys stand at the Royal Show.”
Mr Haddock, who is also a member of the National Farmers Union, said it was time for the Prime Minister Blair to step in over the misuse of the logo.
Two articles about the logo in the July 2000 edition of Poultry World, a sister magazine to Farmers Weekly, has fuelled the concern of farmers.
Poultry World reports claims by Malcolm Smith of the Grampian Country Food Group that up to 20 countries have applied to join the scheme.
The article also reports the NFUs Tessa Crago who admitted that it appeared to be legally impossible to exclude imported produce from the scheme.
Anthony Gibson, NFU south west regional director said he was “hopping mad” about Press reports that foreign produce could carry the red tractor logo.
“If anyone finds the logo on a product not licensed to carry it and brings me the evidence the NFU will take the appropriate action.”