The food assurance scheme promises significant improvements following publication of the Farm Assurance Review
The Red Tractor board of directors – comprising farmers, NFU, AHDB, retailers, processors and independent experts – has committed the farm assurance scheme to a wide-ranging programme of improvements.
The move follows an independent review into Red Tractor’s decision-making procedures commissioned by the NFU after complaints by farmers and growers.
In a statement released on Tuesday (25 March), the board outlined the actions it will take to deliver the nine strategic recommendations, and 56 detailed recommendations, provided by the Farm Assurance Review’s independent commissioners in their February 2024 report.
This comprehensive response follows an ”intensive period of reflection and consultation” among all Red Tractor’s Sector Board, food and farming industry representatives, and independent experts, the board said.
The board added that its response acknowledges the deep frustrations expressed by producers. It said it welcomed the review as an opportunity to reset relationships with farmers, and to better align with all stakeholders on the role assurance will play in a rapidly changing world.
Jim Moseley, Red Tractor CEO, commented: “This review is a turning point for farm assurance in the UK. It is a call to action for all farm assurance schemes to deliver better outcomes for farmers and producers. Where possible, Red Tractor has committed to immediate action, prioritising improvements where we can have most impact. For more complex issues where there is a need or opportunity to work with others, Red Tractor has already written to those involved to offer collaboration and looks forward to working with them if requested to do so.”
The board revealed that Red Tractor has begun work to streamline standards, improve audit efficiency and embrace new technology, all of which should reduce the audit burden for farmers. The scheme will also focus on improving how it communicates, particularly with farmers and growers.
Red Tractor also welcomed the appointment of the Review’s lead commissioner, Dr David Llewellyn, to monitor delivery against the recommendations. Red Tractor will be submitting updates to Llewellyn directly, as well as regularly updating on progress through a dedicated page on its website: redtractor.org.uk/FAR
Commenting on these latest developments, David Exwood, industry director, NFU, said: “I welcome the positive response to the Farm Assurance Review from Red Tractor and the input from all the sector boards. It demonstrates a desire to listen and make changes where appropriate. The key now is that we collectively use this opportunity as a reset moment, giving farmers a stronger voice in assurance, delivering better outcomes for everyone involved. I feel we are now on the right track, ready to make positive changes at pace.”
The board’s full response to the Farm Assurance Review, including responses to the nine strategic recommendations and 56 detailed recommendations, can be found here: Interactive / PDF
The UK Farm Assurance Review was an independent initiative sponsored by the NFU, NFU Scotland, UFU and AHDB. It aims to assess and modernise the UK’s farm assurance schemes to ensure they remain relevant and effective in a post-Brexit and increasingly food-conscious world.
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.
It represents over 48,000 farmers and growers across all areas of livestock and agriculture, accounting for 75 per cent of UK agriculture production. 95 per cent of poultry and 90 per cent of pork in the UK are produced to Red Tractor standards.
Red Tractor standards have been recognised for over 20 years, providing a signpost for safe, traceable, responsibly produced British food.
The Red Tractor logo appears on over £17bn worth of UK produced food and drink.
