Improving the Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Scheme

Next steps

The Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet 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 combinable crops and sugar beet

• 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”)