Crops & Sugar Beet Scheme

Technical Advisory Committee members

Standards that are fit for the future

The Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Standards are written by a representative group of industry experts, who make up the Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). Chaired by Alan King, this group advises the Sector Board on the wording and practicalities of assessing potential new standards, and the removal of obsolete standards and audit points.

For over 25 years, these standards have underpinned trust in the sector. The Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board has produced a strategy to build on this position of trust, and the TAC have reviewed the standards, so they are fit for the future.

Priorities and objectives

Red Tractor is in the process of reviewing its farm-facing standards and assessment process. The aim of this review is to harness new technologies, data and stakeholder input to streamline assessments, support the reduction of audit burden, and maintain customer confidence – while ensuring standards remain relevant.

Objectives for crops

The following priorities have been identified:

• Establish clear, sector-specific standards
• Collaboratively develop a new sector-specific approach shaped by growers and supply chain representatives, ensuring proportionate improvements
• Review options to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model, exploring options that reflect diverse market needs and grower circumstances
• Investigate risk-based auditing, with potential to extend audit cycles, introduce smarter assessment models, and enable remote auditing
• Explore potential to extend audit cycles based on performance and compliance trend.
• Streamline compliance through smarter record-keeping and digital tools

Priority actions (2026 Review)

To deliver these objectives, the Sector Board and TAC, will:

In 2025-26:

• Facilitate meetings with growers and supply chain representatives to understand customer requirements
• Review options to reflect the needs of different supply chains, supported by impact assessments
• Assess the feasibility of longer audit cycles, balancing grower and industry need
• Use data – including non-conformance data – to inform audit frequency discussions
• Work to establish a new set of standards, in-line with Red Tractor’s Vision and Purpose
• Explore standard presentation options, including communicating rationale for standards to scheme participants and customers 
• Investigate smarter options for demonstrating compliance (e.g. uploading photographs to the Red Tractor Members Portal)
• Assess the potential for earned recognition to support standard justification and changes
• Reignite collaborative discussions on opening trade assurance (Gatekeeper) routes

Between 2027 and 2028:

• Launch updated standards.
• Explore opportunities for new add-ons that could offer value to scheme participants and grow licensees / logo use  

Longer term focus

• Advance towards smarter audit delivery, including greater use of digital evidence
• Increase recognition and use of outcome-based metrics
• Enhance the value of assessor presence on farms (“boots on the ground”)