Improving farm assessments and standards

Focus areas

For each farming sector, the review will concentrate on:

• Removing superfluous standards and audit points
• Reviewing the assessment cycle
• Making use of third-party data
• Providing a clear rationale for standards

As a first step, all stakeholders are invited to share feedback on objectives and priorities identified by Sector Boards until 1 February 2026.

The role of Sector Boards

Sector Boards, made up of representatives from across the supply chain – including farmers, growers, vets, processors, brands and retailers – will oversee the review. Their role is to:

• Harness collective knowledge, ensuring an equitable balance of interests and compliance.
• Co-create technical strategies and standards that meet the needs of the sector they represent
• Deliver benefits across the supply chain, including for consumers.

Sector-specific objectives and priorities

On 8 December 2025, Red Tractor published the objectives and priorities for improvements in each farming sector. Developed collaboratively by each Sector Board, these priorities will guide detailed proposals and be regularly reviewed to reflect evolving sector needs. Stakeholders can provide feedback on these priorities and existing standards until 1 February 2026.

Learn about the priorities for each sector and share your feedback

Next steps

The next step will be for each Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), made up of experts from across the sector, to develop detailed recommendations designed to deliver the objectives identified by the Sector Board.

• Proposed updates will be shared for stakeholder comment throughout 2026
• Implementation of improvements is targeted for 2027

Any changes to Red Tractor Standards will follow a set of common principles.

This work will be delivered alongside Red Tractor-wide operational improvements, such as assessor training, improved use of technology and communications.

Timeline for delivering improvements