22 Oct 2025

Red Tractor launches ‘Recipes to Remember’ with TV’s Angellica Bell

Toad in the hole, corned beef hash, and bubble and squeak are among the classic kitchen British kitchen staples which have stood the test of time.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the top 30 nostalgic dishes people prepared in homes across the UK, including liver and onions (28 per cent), bread and butter pudding (33 per cent), and Welsh rarebit (26 per cent).

Other dishes making their way to the dinner table are home-made scotch eggs (24 per cent), suet dumplings (20 per cent), and Lancashire hot pot (19 per cent).

It also emerged 63 per cent confirmed the retro recipes they serve up to loved ones have been passed down to them through the generations, signifying the key role they still play in family mealtimes.

With 54 per cent learning them from their parents and 24 per cent from their grandparents.

In a bid to put traditional dishes to the test, children’s TV legend Angellica Bell teamed up with Red Tractor to host an intergenerational cook-off, featuring a selection of family recipes handed down through the generations.

Three families joined the Celebrity MasterChef winner and former CBBC presenter to recreate their favourite nostalgic dishes and explore why they are so important to them.

Recipes included meatballs and spaghetti prepared by Nessie with her two daughters, Coco and Zaza, and son, Kaspar.

A hearty rhubarb crumble was created by Colette and her daughters, Amy and Chloe, and a delicious Chinese-style chicken noodle recipe was prepared by Tony and his son, Benjamin.

The cook-along was planned by the food assurance scheme in honour of its 25-year anniversary, celebrating the hard work of British farmers and growers in meeting the high standards that ensure the safety and traceability of food produced in the UK.

Angellica Bell said: “I have great memories of cooking with my grandmother when I was a little girl and that’s why I believe spending quality time with loved ones in the kitchen is precious.

“It was fantastic to meet some amazing families and discuss the nostalgic dishes that have been handed down through generations in their households, hearing how important it is to them to keep those traditions alive.

“Creating recipes with ingredients that I know are safe, traceable, and British, was the perfect way to remind people about the importance of keeping this front of mind when shopping in supermarkets.”

Richard Cattell, spokesperson for Red Tractor, which has also created an interactive AI recipe generator tool to encourage budding chefs to create nostalgic recipes for their families said: “To mark this milestone anniversary we wanted to explore how nostalgia and cooking can really bring families together.

“It was fascinating to find out which traditional British dishes have stood the test of time, as well as seeing the unique and personal touches families bring to those recipes in the modern day.

“Angellica was the perfect host for the event – as well as it being 25 years since she first started as a children’s TV presenter, she is also passionate about cooking and encouraging children to get involved too.

“We hope to inspire others to get together with loved ones and prepare their own nostalgic dishes.”

The study found that over two thirds (68 per cent) of adults have used specific methods to try and keep traditional recipes alive.

For example, cooking their favourites at big family gatherings, writing recipes down in notebooks or cookbooks, or teaching their own children how to make nostalgic dishes.

Overall, 87 per cent agreed it’s important to keep traditional British recipes alive, according to the OnePoll.com data.

And it seems they are living up to this promise – with over a third (35 per cent) cooking classic dishes at least a few times every week.

A contributing factor to this may be the importance placed on buying British produce and supporting British farmers – 75 per cent confirmed they take this into account each time they shop for their family.

Richard Cattell added: “Nostalgic dishes may not be considered as trendy as they once were, but it doesn’t mean we should let important aspects of our heritage fade from the kitchen completely.

“It’s heart warming and reassuring to see that so many families agree – and are keeping our nation’s favourite classic dishes alive by sharing recipes through the generations and creating lasting memories together in the kitchen.

“With a dash of nostalgia and a big dollop of comfort – we can keep homegrown produce and dishes at the heart of our family homes, ensuring the safety and traceability of ingredients while supporting British farmers.”

TOP 30 CLASSIC DISHES STILL BEING SERVED UP AT HOME

Roast dinner (67 per cent)
Spaghetti Bolognese (63 per cent)
Bangers and mash (59 per cent)
Fish and Chips (58 per cent)
Cottage Pie (55 per cent)
Shepherd’s Pie (52 per cent)
Victoria Sponge Cake (45 per cent)
Toad in the Hole (39 per cent)
Bread and Butter Pudding (33 per cent)
Corned Beef Hash (32 per cent)
Ploughman’s Lunch (32 per cent)
Rhubarb Crumble (32 per cent)
Lemon Drizzle Cake (30 per cent)
Bubble and Squeak (30 per cent)
Liver and Onions (28 per cent)
Welsh Rarebit (26 per cent)
Scotch Eggs (24 per cent)
Steak and Kidney Pie (21 per cent)
Suet Dumplings (20 per cent)
Eton Mess (19 per cent)
Lancashire Hotpot (19 per cent)
Treacle Sponge Pudding (17 per cent)
Biryani (16 per cent)
Jam Roly-Poly (16 per cent)
Coronation Chicken (15 per cent)
Cornish Pasty (traditional recipe) (15 per cent)
Jollof rice (14 per cent)
Pork pies (11 per cent)
Spotted Dick (11 per cent)
Oxtail Stew (10 per cent)

Watch the video to find out more!

Find out more

23 Jul 2025

Red Tractor Champions Farm Safety Week 2025: Putting People First in Food Production

21 July 2025 — As Farm Safety Week 2025 gets underway, Red Tractor is proud to stand alongside farmers, workers, and rural communities in raising awareness about the importance of safety on farms.

At Red Tractor, we believe that the safety of people on farms is integral to high standards of food production. Behind every product that carries our trusted logo is a person, a family, and a community. Their wellbeing is not just important, it’s essential.

“Farm Safety Week is more than just a campaign; it’s a call to action that resonates deeply with me. It is a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can happen and that no task is worth risking your health. As a farmer, I urge every farmer, worker, and family member to make safety a priority and every farm a safer place to live and work.” – Alistair MacIntosh, Red Tractor Chair.

Farming remains one of the most rewarding yet hazardous professions in the UK. Each year, preventable accidents on farms result in lives lost or changed forever. Farm Safety Week is a powerful reminder that safety must be a priority, not an afterthought.

We as Red Tractor recognise that real change goes beyond the need for showing compliance by having a policy, which is the standard in many of our schemes. It requires a shift in culture – driven by awareness, education, and support. That’s why Farm Safety Week is so vital. It provides a platform to share life-saving advice, real-life stories, and practical tools that empower farmers to make safer choices every day.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping farms safe, but for farmers and growers, that responsibility is even greater. Ensuring your team is safe starts with having a clear Health and Safety Policy and a well-prepared Farm Emergency Plan. These are essential tools to help all workers work safely, confidently, and with the right equipment.

We provide  templates and resources to guide you in creating your farm’s health and safety policy and information to guide you in creating your farm’s safety plans.

By supporting this campaign, Red Tractor reaffirms its commitment to the people who grow, rear, and produce our food. Together, we can make farming safer for everyone.

For more information on Farm Safety Week 2025 and how you can get involved, visit Farm Safety Foundation.

23 Jul 2025

Red Tractor Board Update – July 2025

The Red Tractor Board met on Friday 18 July 2025 following meetings of all six Sector Board meetings in June and the Standards Committee on 8 July. The Board focused on:

A report from the Audit & Finance Committee on Red Tractor’s Management Accounts.
Feedback from Sector Boards.
Progress in delivering the Farm Assurance Review.
Delivery of Red Tractor’s communications and marketing strategies.

Red Tractor’s accounts

I’m pleased to share that the auditors confirmed that Red Tractor’s accounts are in good order and no issues were raised. Accounts will now be sent to Companies House for filing.

Sector Board meetings

During June, Red Tractor Sector Boards agreed a path forward for identifying changes to Red Tractor’s requirements. This involved reviewing new Terms of Reference for Sector Boards and a Policy for the Development of Red Tractor Standards. The Board discussed Sector Boards’ feedback on these documents and agreed amendments. Following one further round of feedback from Sector Boards, the Board hopes to approve these documents over the summer.

Sector Boards also began discussions on developing sector-specific strategies to deliver the improvements for each sector. Drafts are now being developed by Red Tractor and will be reviewed by Sector Boards in September.

Delivering our commitments to the Farm Assurance Review

The Board reviewed a summary of progress in delivering our commitments to the Farm Assurance Review, which are published on our website.

Red Tractor is pushing ahead with operational improvements such as changes to the Member Portal and opportunities for joint-assessments. In the pigs sector, at the industry’s request, we’re moving ahead with an outdoor-focused module and labelling. And in Fresh Produce, we’re working with the Fresh Produce Consortium to map opportunities to reduce audit burden.

Sector Strategies will form an important next step in delivering the changes members have asked for.

Communications

Red Tractor’s Director of Communications and Engagement provided an update on communications activities delivered in the past four months, as well as work underway. Key highlights include:

Improvements to the Red Tractor website, focusing on improvements to assurance information for members improving user journeys, SEO, accessibility, content and design.
Trialling new ways of cascading information from Sector Boards to representative’s organisations.
Appointing a PR agency to deliver consumer-facing communications as part of Red Tractor’s efforts to raise awareness with consumers on the importance of assured British farming.
New research showing increasing consumer trust in British food, has been used to actively champion British farmers and growers, making the case for government, retailers, brands and consumers to back British.
Communications to all Red Tractor stakeholders to mark 25 years since the creation of Red Tractor.
Commentary on the UK Government’s Food Strategy for England.

Consumer marketing and PR

In late August, Red Tractor will launch a new consumer marketing and PR campaign combining video on demand, TV, radio, out of home and in-store advertising together with consumer PR activation working with social media content creators. The campaign focusses on an average family kitchen over the course of 25 years – as the family and their lives evolve, Red Tractor and British farmers remain the constant, providing them with reassurance about their food throughout. Look out for the advert and social content from 22 August, with TV advertising and media outreach starting on 20 October.

To support the campaign, Red Tractor is also thanking farmers for their hard work and commitment to upholding standards. As part of this initiative, we’re sponsoring the 2025 Mixed Farmer of the Year Award at the Farmers Weekly Awards, and inviting members to join us there.

Meeting members face to face

Another important element of our communications strategy is meeting members and stakeholders face-to-face. We’re planning a Roadshow, taking our staff and Sector Chairs to meet our members later this year.

Since being appointed Chair of Red Tractor, I’ve also been very busy meeting with members and industry representatives. This has included participating in the NFU Midlands Regional Board meeting, speaking with NFU Scotland and other stakeholders at the Royal Highland Show, and participating in the Farmers Weekly Question Time panel discussion at Cereals. The feedback during these meetings has been very positive and constructive on Red Tractor’s efforts to implement change following the Farm Assurance Review. We’ll continue to engage in other events over the year to share updates and build understanding of our work.

As ever, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to ensuring confidence in British farming.

Best wishes

Alistair Mackintosh

Red Tractor Chair

Red Tractor Board members:

David Exwood – Industry Director
Will Jackson – AHDB (covered for by Ken Boyns on 18 July)
Dean Holroyd – Industry Director
Natalie Smith – Industry Director (absent from the 18 July meeting)
John Pain – Independent Director
Chris Goodwin – Independent Director
James Russell – Independent Director (absent from the 18 July meeting)
John Reed – Industry Director
John Dracup – Beef & Lamb Sector Director
Julian Sturdy – Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Sector Chair (absent from the 18 July meeting)
Tim Lock – Dairy Sector Director
Lucy MacLennan – Fresh Produce Sector Director
Stewart Houston CBE, FRAgS – Pig  Sector Director
Iain Gardner – Poultry Sector Director
Jim Moseley – Chief Executive

Find out more about how decisions are made at Red Tractor.

21 Jul 2025

Industry ask Red Tractor to progress outdoor-focused modules for Pigs

Following a wide-ranging consultation, the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board has confirmed it will move forward with creating new modules and labelling for outdoor pig production.

Proposals for these modules were developed at the request of the industry to provide an opportunity for farmers to reduce the burden of compliance with multiple assurance schemes. They also aim to provide clearer labelling for consumers.

The consultation, which included questions about enhanced welfare modules for both outdoor and indoor pig farms, ran from 28 April to 6 June 2025. Red Tractor received 122 responses from a broad cross-section of the pig industry, including small independent producers, retailers, vets, integrators and NGOs. Together, respondents represented an estimated 225,000 sows, around 90% of the English sow herd.

Support for modules for outdoor production

Responses showed support for recognising outdoor production systems: outdoor-bred pigs with straw-based or free-range finishing. More than half (57%) of outdoor producers supported the idea of Red Tractor developing tiered standards and labelling for outdoor pig production. As a result, most of the proposed standards for these modules will be adopted, with Red Tractor aiming to make them available by the end of 2025.

Further research needed into labelling

The consultation raised important questions around whether the logo should reflect the method of production – for example using the term “Outdoor Bred”. 59% of respondents, including 72% of producers, felt the proposed Enhanced Welfare tier should not include indoor systems such as indoor free farrowing. As a result, Red Tractor will explore and research more labelling options, balancing consultation responses with consumer insight and our existing labelling system.

Work paused on module for higher welfare indoor pig production

The consultation also looked at the future of farrowing systems for indoor pig farms. While 75% of producers said they are not planning to install new or second-hand conventional crates, around half of pig producers said their existing farrowing equipment is over 20 years old, highlighting the need for support to invest in acceptable replacement systems in the future.

Producers were split on whether Red Tractor should publish standards for flexible farrowing – 48% said this should be done as soon as possible, while just under half (42%) wanted Red Tractor to wait. Only 35% supported developing an indoor-focused “Certified Standards Plus” module, falling to 28% amongst producers.

The Pigs Sector Board has therefore paused work on an indoor-focused module but will continue to explore ways to support farmers transitioning to alternative farrowing systems.

Updates to core standards

Red Tractor also consulted on changes to existing core standards designed to align Red Tractor with other schemes and help reduce the audit burden on farms. Most proposals received good support with feedback helping to ensure requirements are practical and clear. These updates will come into effect alongside the new modules.

Stewart Houston, Chair of the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board said: “This consultation has provided a powerful snapshot of the supply chain’s views towards tiered labelling in pig production, from the people who matter. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.

“Taking onboard the feedback, Red Tractor will now move forwards with the industry’s request to develop tiered standards that reduce the need for compliance to multiple assurance schemes, reduce audit burden and provide clearer labelling of outdoor bred pig meat. We’re also developing plans to support producers with transitioning to these modules, where they wish to.”

08 Jul 2025

Pigs Sector Chair Update – June 2025

Dear Member,

I am pleased to provide an update on the recent Pigs Sector Board meeting which took place in London on 25 June 2025.

Consultation on tiered standards

Much of the meeting was spent discussing responses to the recent consultation on tiered standards for pigs. The Pigs Board considered responses in detail and had lengthy discussion about the feedback from 122 individuals from across the supply chain, including producers responsible for over 200,000 sows.

As a result, it was agreed that Red Tractor should progress work on making modules for farmers operating outdoor-bred systems, including straw-based and free-range finishing, available by the end of the year, subject to more work on proposed labelling and transition arrangements to maximise the benefits for the whole supply chain, particularly farmers.

There was consensus amongst the Pigs Board that Red Tractor should support producers to meet potential future changes in legislation relating to the transition away from conventional farrowing systems. However, more time is needed to reflect on the feedback from the consultation before determining the most appropriate way to do this.

The Pigs Board thanked everyone who provided input into the consultation for their thoughtful contributions which will inform future standards. A summary of the consultation response will be published in due course.

Progress against Farm Assurance Review (FAR) commitments

The Pigs Board considered a revised Terms of Reference and a draft policy which sets out the principles for future standards development. These were agreed by the Pigs Board and following completion of this round of Sector Board meetings will be presented to the Red Tractor Standards Committee and the AFS Board for final approval. The Board also discussed development of a sector strategy which will inform direction of travel over the next 5 to 10 years.

Communications Strategy

The Pigs Board welcomed the new communications strategy presented by Jo Miller, Director of Communications and Engagement. Identifying that recent communications updating on progress against the FAR recommendations and Red Tractor’s 25^th Anniversary had provided an opportunity to reset communications. The Board emphasised the importance of demonstrating two-way communication and stakeholder engagement.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with Red Tractor. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us.

Kind regards

Stewart Houston

Chair, Pigs Sector Board

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08 Jul 2025

Beef & Lamb Sector Chair Update – June 2025

Dear Member,  

The Beef & Lamb Sector Board met on 26 June, and I would like to personally update you on what we talked about. Our focus remains clear: supporting farmers, building trust, and making sure our standards are practical and really make a difference for the sector.

The Board acknowledged the good progress Red Tractor has made in responding to the Farm Assurance Review, including, improving communications and a significant effort to meet and collaborate with all involved in farm assurance. We know some changes take time, agreement from everyone, and careful planning to get right. Our main goal is to create clear, forward-looking standards that truly serve the purpose of assurance.

Looking ahead, developing the strategy for the Beef & Lamb sector the Board focused on several important areas:

A clear farmer-focused message: The Board wants a strong, farmer-focused vision and message. It’s important to avoid confusion, especially around exports and the idea that standards are always getting tougher.

Rebuilding Farmer Trust: Trust is at the heart of what we do. Red Tractor must show its value, work better with farmers, and be open about how standards are set.

Practical, Fair Standards: The Board agreed that our standards must reflect real farm life and focus on meaningful results, not just ticking boxes. Being practical and fair is key to getting farmers on board.

Balanced Assessments: We’re looking at ways to focus checks where they’re needed most, but to keep things credible for consumers.

Whole Supply Chain Focus: Our strategy will cover the full supply chain, from farm to the processor then onto the retailers, while keeping farmers front and centre.

Board-Led Development: Any future changes to standards should be guided by the Sector Board to make sure they meet the needs of the sector before moving ahead.

We had open discussions about how board members are chosen. There were strong comments from trade bodies asking for a simple nomination process, where trade bodies retain the right to appoint their own representatives whilst accepting the Membership Criteria must be met. It was also recognised that to achieve full consensus sometimes compromise would be needed and where not always possible, and a fair, transparent process is needed to handle disagreements.  

Red Tractor is reviewing how standards are developed, the aim is to make the process clearer and to involve the Sector Boards and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) more. We want to make sure new standards are not too complicated or impractical, and that everyone understands where they come from. The Board will have more say over which standards move forward, and we’ll listen carefully to feedback before making decisions. The Red Tractor team is developing a timeline to review its standards. Stakeholder consultation will be a critical part of this process with any changes expected to come into force in early 2027.

The Board agreed that the TAC must have real influence. I’m therefore absolutely delighted to let you know that Professor Jude Capper has been appointed as the new TAC Chair. Jude brings a wealth of experience and an evidence-based approach to policy and innovation. Her understanding of the sector, along with her ability to engage constructively across a wide range of stakeholders, will be invaluable in ensuring the TAC plays a strong, visible, and impactful role.

Finally, the Board was supportive of Red Tractor’s communications plan and its aims to build farmer trust. I know that communications alone won’t build trust, it must be part of a broader ecosystem of change. Words need to be backed up by actions. That means delivering practical standards, listening to farmer feedback, being transparent about decisions, and showing how assurance adds value on farm. This won’t happen overnight, but I am confident we’re heading in the right direction.

Best Wishes,   

John Dracup  

Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Produce Sector Chair 

26 Jun 2025

Fresh Produce Sector Board Update – June 2025

Dear Members,

I am writing to update on the recent Fresh Produce Sector Board meeting, which took place on 24 June 2025.

The sector board acknowledged from the outset the ongoing challenges in the fresh produce sector, particularly around mitigating microbiological challenges within leafy salads and potential irrigation water availability across the sector – it was also noted that good temperatures and light levels has meant an excellent start to the UK berry season.

Reducing audit burden

A workstream associated with reducing audit burden has been established which sees RT fresh produce working in collaboration with the Fresh Produce Consortium. This workstream is currently working to map the audit requirements across the grower base for each customer. In addition, an external agency is being commissioned to survey the RT grower base in order to gain a better understanding of exactly what is meant by audit burden, so keep an eye out for further communication in due course to find out how to take part. Collectively this background work will be used to identify opportunities for collaboration between schemes and/or customer requirements with the aim of reducing the audit burden across the sector.

Developing a strategy for the Red Tractor Fresh Produce sector

Work is underway to draft a sector-specific strategy to guide the future direction of standards development. The fresh produce sector board indicated its preference for focusing on ‘process’ first to identify the best opportunities for streamlining assessment delivery.

Board members are contributing directly to this process, with a focus on the following core themes:

Audit burden: As discussed above, reducing the audit burden on growers is a priority within the sector.
Horizon scanning: The RT Fresh produce Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) recently met and carried out a horizon scanning exercise to identify areas for future focus which included audit burden, food safety, and pesticide regulation.
Food safety risk management: A review of crop category classification is to be initiated to ensure that standards are appropriate for each crop type. In addition, RT has been invited by the British Leafy Salads Association (BLSA) and the Chilled Foods Association (CFA) to develop a module with the aim of further improving the food safety standards in salad crops, which the TAC has started work on.

Progress on Farm Assurance Review (FAR) recommendations

The board received an update on progress against FAR recommendations, with a focus on collaboration and delivering the right outcomes – even if this means adjusting initial timelines. Red Tractor continues to work with industry partners and government to reduce audit duplication and champion earned recognition.

Finally, all members of the sector board reaffirmed their commitment to acting as advocates for Red Tractor’s vision and purpose, while also constructively challenging progress to ensure the best outcomes for members.

As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement with Red Tractor. If you have any questions or feedback, please do get in touch.

Best Wishes,

Lucy MacLennan

Red Tractor Fresh Produce Sector Chair

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26 Jun 2025

Crops Sector Board Update – June 2025

Dear Members,

I am pleased to update you on the recent Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board meeting, which took place on 18 June 2025. I chaired this meeting in the absence of a new Red Tractor Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet sector chairman being in place.

The sector board acknowledged from the outset the ongoing challenges in the cereals sector, particularly around profitability and competition from imports.

New Sector Board Chair

We are delighted to welcome Julian Sturdy as the new Chair of the Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board. Julian brings over 30 years’ experience as an arable farmer in North Yorkshire, as well as a distinguished parliamentary career representing rural communities and championing British agriculture. A press release announcing Julian’s appointment is available on the Red Tractor website and we look forward to facilitating introductions ahead of our next meeting.

Laying the foundations of how Red Tractor develops new standards

We are committed to ensuring the upcoming standards review is transparent and collaborative, with robust, face-to-face consultation to ensure farmer voices are heard.

The Sector Board reviewed drafts of key governance documents, including the Sector Board Terms of Reference and Policy for Standards Development. These will be taken forward for final sign-off following feedback from all sector boards, forming the basis for how Red Tractor will conduct standards reviews

Developing a strategy for the Red Tractor crops and sugar beet sector

Work is underway to draft a crops-specific strategy to brief our new chair and guide the future direction of standards development. Board members are contributing directly to this process, with a focus on the following core themes:

Earned recognition: Securing earned recognition remains a top priority, both to demonstrate the value of Red Tractor assurance and to reduce regulatory burdens for farmers.
Supply chain transparency & fairness: We are engaging with the full supply chain – including millers, maltsters, oilseed crushers, feed compounders, merchants, brands and distillers – to promote greater fairness and ensure the value of assurance is clearly communicated to growers.
Imports: An AHDB-led project will compare UK assurance standards with those of key competitor countries to inform our approach.
Role of the TAC: The board acknowledged the important role of the RT Crops Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The sector board agreed the TAC should offer practical expertise as Red Tractor continues to develop and revise standards.

Progress on Farm Assurance Review (FAR) recommendations

As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement with Red Tractor. If you have any questions or feedback, please do get in touch.

Best Wishes,

Alistair Mackintosh

Red Tractor Chairman

Alistair Mackintosh vice chair Red Tractor

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25 Jun 2025

Dairy Sector Board Update – June 2025

Dear Members,

The Dairy Sector Board met in London on the 17 June 2025. This is a critical time for Red Tractor in generating the momentum needed to deliver improvements for farmers. The Red Tractor team is working incredibly hard to put the building blocks for change in place, and there was high level of engagement of the Sector Board members which led to a productive meeting.

The discussion focused on the following topics:

Putting foundations in place for reviewing standards: 

The Red Tractor team is developing a timeline to review its standards. Stakeholder consultation will be a critical part of this process with any changes expected to come into force in early 2027. The Sector Board reviewed and agreed a draft policy setting out the principles for standards development. The group also reviewed a new Sector Board Terms of Reference, which details expectations of members, the recruitment process and ways of working. These were agreed by the Dairy Board. Following review by other Sector Boards the final draft of both policies will be presented to the Red Tractor Standards Committee and the AFS Board for final approval.

 Developing a strategy for reviewing dairy standards:

General principles for reviewing dairy standards were discussed, with on-farm experiences and future proofing standards identified as key areas to address. Data was a particular consideration, and the board began to explore how data can be collected to benefit members by reducing audit burden.

Animal welfare was another consideration as one of the key pillars of Red Tractor; as industry dynamics have changed this was discussed in relation to indoor herds given the current trend towards housed systems. The environment was the third topic for consideration, with particular focus on nutrient management to protect water and how we can work more closely with the Dairy Road Map.

The next step is for the Red Tractor team to develop a briefing to direct standards development. This will be reviewed by the Sector Board before being used to brief the Dairy Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC includes representatives from across the sector and will have a key role in developing the detail of future dairy standards.

I was pleased to share that Amy Jackson, who is highly regarded for her communications work with farmers, and has a background in the dairy industry, has agreed to chair the Dairy TAC.

Data to drive compliance:

Red Tractor is exploring wider use of data to drive compliance, as recommended by the Farm Assurance Review (1.6). The dairy sector is a data rich industry and therefore Red Tractor will use this sector to pilot its approach. Red Tractor already shares compliance levels for specific standards with RUMA and is working with the dairy welfare strategy to inform where Red Tractor can play a role in baseline data. The TAC will further support in identifying further opportunities to use data to drive compliance. The board also discussed a proposal put forward by Dairy UK which is looking at opportunities to encourage wider use of the medicine hub by members.

The importance of ensuring that there is balanced representation of stakeholders from the industry on the Sector Board was also discussed and agreed.

To conclude, Jo Miller, Director of Communications and Engagement, presented Red Tractor’s Communications Strategy for the next 12 months which primarily focuses on building farmer trust and engagement.

Best regards, Tim Lock,

Chair, Red Tractor Dairy Board

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25 Jun 2025

Poultry Sector Board Update – June 2025

Our Poultry Board this month had a packed agenda.

Leroy Burrell from British Poultry Training provided a recap on how the scheme was set up, the industry governance groups that oversees the delivery of the scheme and clarified roles and responsibilities. He also confirmed that additional resource within Poultec has been allocated to manage increased demand. The board discussed the importance of broader cross-sector industry involvement in shaping the future delivery of both short courses and the Diploma.

The industry move to stocking at 30kg/m² was discussed and the potential need for Red Tractor to offer an additional tiering within the standards. Key discussions included how we ensure a level playing field for such claims, maintaining accuracy to protect industry and scheme integrity, and reviewing industry performance on stocking density later this year.

We discussed the Poultry Board Terms of Reference and the current make-up of the Board and how important it is to have a balance between farmers, processors, retail and other actors in the supply chain. The Board agreed the TORs and acknowledged that broader representation should be investigated. Policies for setting standards were also discussed and agreed.

I informed the Board that having completed my term, I will be stepping down after the next meeting in November. An open recruitment process for a new Poultry Sector Chair will take place over the summer, and the Board were asked to encourage candidates to apply.

The Farm Assurance Review was also discussed with updates on progress from Red Tractor teams. The Board agreed that Red Tractor was moving in the right direction.

The next stages of developing a poultry scheme strategy were debated and as a Board we agreed to consider all options and bring back thoughts to a meeting to take this topic forward before the next Board meeting.

Finally, the Board reviewed Red Tractor’s communication strategy and discussed how to improve the dissemination of information to site managers as well as business owners.

Kind regards,

Iain Gardner,

Chair, Red Tractor Poultry Board