Fresh Produce Standards
SOIL MANAGEMENT Version 5.1
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Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)
Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification
New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to
Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before
Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard
Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.
Cropping Categories Fresh Produce
Category 0 - Those you can eat raw and have a significant risk or history of pathogen contamination
Category 1 - Those you can eat raw and which do not have a protective skin that is removed before eating; they may also have a significant risk or history of pathogen contamination.
Category 2 - Those you can eat raw and which either have protective skin or grow clear of the ground, or that have no history of pathogen contamination.
Category 3 - Those that the customer always cooks.
An up-to-date list of the crop categories can be found on the Red Tractor website.
PR.SM.1
A Soil Management Plan (SMP) must be established and implemented (REVISED)
How you will be measured
PR.SM.1.a
PR.SM.1.b
PR.SM.1.c
PR.SM.1.d
Soil Management Plan
PR.SM.2
It is recommended that the Soil Management Plan is informed by site specific data and key information is shared with relevant personnel (REVISED)
How you will be measured
PR.SM.2.a
PR.SM.2.b
PR.SM.2.c
PR.SM.2.d
- Test results
– Farm map(s)
PR.SM.3
It is recommended that the Soil Management Plan includes strategies for minimising compaction
PR.SM.4
Substrates (including peat and peat substitutes) are traceable to source and do not originate from designated conservation areas.
PR.SM.5
Recycling of substrates must be undertaken where feasible and documented.
Substrate recycling records
PR.SM.6
Where crops are grown in substrates other than soil or water, traceability systems are in place and microbiological risks are considered and managed where necessary.
How you will be measured
PR.SM.6.a
PR.SM.6.b
PR.SM.6.c
Microbiological test certificates
More Standards
Download Fresh Produce Standards Manual
Download Fresh Produce Standards Manual – Including GLOBALG.A.P Module
Download the changes to the Fresh Produce Standards from 1 February 2025
Download watercress protocol
Download hops protocol
Useful Documents
UK Crops grown and risk categories
Fresh Produce assessment structure
