Improving the Dairy Scheme
Priorities for technical improvements in the dairy sector
In 2026, Red Tractor will review its farm-facing standards and assessment process. The aim is to streamline assessments, support the reductions of audit burden, and ensure standards remain relevant to the farming sectors they support.
The Dairy Sector Board – made up of farmers, vets, processors, brands and retailers -has collaboratively identified objectives and priorities for improving the Dairy Scheme. These priorities will be reviewed regularly to reflect the evolving needs of the sector.
As a first step, all stakeholders were invited to feedback on these objectives and existing standards. The opportunity for feedback closed on 1 February 2026. All feedback received will be shared with Sector Boards to inform their work going forwards.
Next steps
The Dairy Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), comprised of sector experts, will develop detailed recommendations to revise the Standards and Scheme in line with these objectives.
- 2026: Proposed updates shared for stakeholder comment
- 2027: Implementation of improvements following UKAS approval
This work will be delivered alongside Red Tractor-wide operational improvements, such as assessor training and improved use of technology and communications.
Objectives for dairy
- Rebuild farmer trust by improving efficiency and reducing burden while maintaining audit integrity
- Ensure the scheme evolves to reflect market and trade requirements, including the UK Dairy Export Strategy
- Align standards and regulatory requirements with Red Tractor’s Vision and Purpose
Ensure the standards and assessment process:
- Support consumer confidence in UK dairy products
- Support long term viability and competitiveness of the UK dairy sector, in line with the Dairy Roadmap
Priority actions (2026 Review)
To deliver these objectives, the Sector Board and TAC, will:
- Review and justify standards to ensure they are proportionate and reflect current farming practice
- Confirm standards align with Red Tractor’s Vision and Purpose
- Use TACs to horizon scan emerging topics
- Explore opportunities to tailor assessment type and frequency with compliance history, while maintaining supply chain confidence
- Look at how the beef/dairy scheme can operate better to reduce burden
Longer term focus
The Sector Board will also explore opportunities for:
- Data-driven farm profiling to strengthen targeted assessments
- Alternative compliance methods, including third-party data and government inspections
- Assessing Red Tractor’s role in supporting industry efforts on pollution, waste management, air quality, biodiversity, and carbon reduction
- Incorporating outcome measures into the scheme to enhance robustness
Dairy Sector Chair, Tim Lock explains the priorities for the sector
Dairy Standards
View documents for existing standards
Dairy Goat Standards
View documents for existing standards
Read more about how Red Tractor is improving farm standards and audits
Who sits on the Red Tractor Dairy Sector Board?
- Tim Lock – Chair
- Peter Dawson – Dairy UK
- Ian Harvey – NFU England and Wales
- Alice Miller – British Cattle Veterinary Association
- Murray Patrick – NFU Scotland
- Paul Dover – Processor
- Richard Collins – Processor
- Amy Jackson – TAC Chair
- Tom Atkins – Multiple Retailer
- Joseph Keating – BRC
- Mervyn Gordon – UFU
- Mark Brooking – Processor
- Neville Graham – Processor
- Jonathan Wilkinson – NFU England and Wales
- Paul Flanagan – AHDB