Guidance for The agriculture industry
We know trading standards regulations can be complex, but understanding and following them is essential for your farming business to succeed.
We are here to help. Our trading standards officers work with and support farms and agriculture businesses by providing guidance and support to help comply with farming regulations.
Farming standards guidance
The rules surrounding farming can be complex, so we provide a range of leaflets to help guide you through some of the most common issues with the laws that we are responsible for.
Animal movement
All movements must be recorded and reported. Make sure you’re aware of your responsibilities as a livestock owner.
Animal welfare
We are responsible for monitoring and investigating animal health and welfare of livestock. Contact us if you are concerned about the welfare of animals.
Animal disease
Helping you to prevent outbreaks of disease and advice on what you must do if you suspect an outbreak.
Feed and food hygiene
Apply for your feed hygiene registration, check your current details and read our feed and food hygiene advice.
Record books
Veterinary medicine book
Keepers of food-producing animals or those that treat farm animals intended as food for human consumption must keep a record of all veterinary medicinal products bought for those animals.
Animal movement record book
All movements of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and deer must be recorded and reported to the appropriate agency. Download a movement record book.
Further guidance
Abattoirs
Guidance including information on hygiene regulations, licensing, inspections and penalties.
Livestock hauliers
Ensure you have valid transporter authorisation and understand the welfare regulations surrounding live animal transport.
Animal gatherings
Information about licensing requirements, disease prevention and animal welfare.
Support for farmers
Website and helpline support for the farming community.
Latest agriculture news
Trading Standards introduces Bovine TB information packs for farmers
Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards has launched a new information pack giving farmers all the information they need to help safeguard their herd from Bovine TB. The packs provide … Continue reading
Devon farmer avoids jail after breaching animal ban
A Devon farmer who was banned from keeping animals has narrowly avoided jail after admitting farming a flock of over 500 sheep. At Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 15 January, … Continue reading
“No Cold Callers” scheme launched to combat rural crime and protect South West farmers
Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon’s Trading Standards Service and leading rural insurer NFU Mutual have joined forces to launch a campaign to tackle “cold calling” criminals at farms across the … Continue reading