Improving the Fresh Produce Scheme
Priorities for technical improvements in fresh produce
In 2026, Red Tractor will consult on proposals to improve its farm-facing standards. The aim is to streamline assessments, support in the reduction of audit burden, and ensure standards remain relevant to the farming sectors they support.
The Fresh Produce Sector Board – representing a broad cross section of industry, brands and retailers – has collaboratively identified objectives and priorities for improving the Fresh Produce 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 Fresh Produce 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 fresh produce
- Reduce audit burden through a more bespoke, risk-informed approach, without compromising food safety
- Shift assessor focus to ensure standards are evidenced through practical compliance as well as paperwork
- Promote and encourage a strong food safety culture based on appropriate risk assessment within fresh produce businesses
Ensure the standards and assessment process support efforts to:
- Rebuild trust across the supply chain, positioning Red Tractor as a champion of the sector
Priority actions (2026 Review)
To deliver these objectives, the Sector Board and TAC will:
- Review crop risk categories
- Develop specific standards for leafy salads
- Quantify the audit burden across the sector
- Document the rationale for existing standards
Longer term focus
Between 2027 and 2030:
- Launch refreshed, more bespoke standards.
- Explore group approaches via the Red Tractor Members’ Portal
- Pursue further opportunities for earned recognition
- Consider the implications of environmental impact on food safety
- Grow Red Tractor’s role in upskilling / driving a food safety culture
Longer term, the Fresh Produce Sector Board will explore:
- Smarter, data-driven audit regimes.
- Segmenting standards by risk category
- More targeted, risk-based assessments
Watch a recorded presentation explaining the priorities for the fresh produce sector
Read more about how Red Tractor is improving farm standards and audits
Fresh Produce Standards
View documents for existing standards
Who sits on the Red Tractor Fresh Produce Board?
- Veryan Bliss – Chair
- Tim Casey – Grower and NFU
- Jan Redpath – Grower and NFUS
- James Lee – Agronomist
- Phil Pearson – Grower
- Kelly Shields – Fresh Produce Consortium
- Stephen Shields – Grower and NFU
- Barbara Bray MBE – Independent Consultant
- Andrew McHardy – Retailer
- John Walgate – BGA
- Jenny Heath – Grower