Governance
As a whole supply chain assurance scheme, decisions on Red Tractor’s standards, operations and strategy are governed by boards and committees representing the entire UK food chain.
This approach to representative decision-making goes right to the heart of Red Tractor’s ownership, which includes organisations representing the full supply chain. Each agricultural sector has its own Sector Board and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) including representatives from a wide selection of perspectives. Every representative is treated equally, with decisions made via consensus. In turn, the chairs of these Sector Boards sit of the main Board of Directors.
This governance structure is crucial for ensuring balanced decision-making which takes account of all perspectives.
Governance principles
Representative: Each agricultural sector has its own board and Technical Advisory Committee.
Balanced: Achieving balance is a crucial aspect of standard setting at Red Tractor. This is why each sector board includes representation of farmers & growers, processors and retailers.
Democratic: Every representative is treated equally at every level of Red Tractor’s governance – The Board, Sector Boards and TACs. The views of all stakeholders are encouraged and considered, and decisions are made via consensus.
Who decides at Red Tractor?
Each layer of Red Tractor’s governance serves a purpose.
THE OWNERSHIP BODY
National Farmers Union (NFU), National Farmers Union Scotland, Ulster Farmers Union, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Dairy UK, British Retail Consortium. Food & Drink Federation (observers)
Provides the ‘limited by guarantee’ (£1) to Red Tractor – Appoints Directors and Chair – Amends the Articles when necessary
Delegates all responsibility for the management of Red Tractor to the Directors who may exercise all the powers of the Company
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (THE BOARD)
Brings insights and experience across the supply chain to inform and develop the organisation’s Vision, Purpose, Business Plan, Strategies and Objectives
Standards Development and Scheme Operation
STANDARDS COMMITTEE
Review overall technical strategy & delivery, particularly for cross sector issues
6 SECTOR BOARDS
Determines technical strategy by sector
8 TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES (TACs)
Determines technical standards by scope
Delegates Corporate Governance
AUDIT & FINANCE
Review overall financial strategy & delivery
RENUMERATION
Determines Director & CEO renumeration
NOMINATIONS
Recruits Directors
Implementation of the plan
Led by the CEO, implements the Vision, Purpose, Business Plan, Strategies, Objectives and manages and delivers day-to-day operations
Learn about priorities for each sector
Beef & Lamb
Crops & Sugar Beet
Dairy
Fresh Produce
Pigs
Poultry
Ownership Body
Red Tractor Board of Directors
Red Tractor Leadership Team
