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Author: debbiesmith

17 Nov 2025

Dairy Sector Board Update – November 2025

Dear Members,

The Red Tractor Dairy Sector Board met on 13th November 2025 for a thoughtful and collaborative session, exploring key challenges and opportunities in the sector. Everyone in the room, producers, processors, and our retailer representatives brought their perspectives, making for a rich and engaging discussion.

Strategic direction

We discussed the new Red Tractor Dairy Strategy. The Board considered how the strategy could guide the sector in enhancing animal welfare, improving farm-level practices and meeting our sustainability goals. The strategy was seen as a way to unify the sector around clear objectives while remaining adaptable to future challenges and different requirements across the four nations.

Our environmental credentials

The Board explored the challenges posed by differing regulations and relationships with environmental regulators across the four nations of the UK. In Scotland, collaboration with farmers is generally positive, while in England, the Environment Agency is less engaged and deploying more inspectors. Wales presents a mixed picture, and Northern Ireland has invested heavily in soil and phosphate monitoring schemes.

Environmental sustainability was acknowledged as a complex area encompassing carbon reduction, water pollution, biodiversity, and soil health. The Dairy Roadmap was highlighted as the primary tool for delivering voluntary environmental improvements, with the potential to develop into standards in the future. The Board agreed that any environmental initiatives must be balanced with Red Tractor’s core priorities: animal health, welfare, and food safety.

Outcome-based assessments

The Board spent time discussing animal welfare and an outcome-based approach to assessments, stressing the importance of having well-trained assessors and consistent inspection practices. There was agreement that outcome measures could be expanded beyond the current welfare indicators. Members also discussed how additional ‘earned recognition’ schemes for retailers or aligned groups could help streamline assessments while still upholding the high standards the sector expects.

Making use of data

The Board discussed how Red Tractor could make the most of existing data, including that gathered as part of retailer/processor assessments.  The goal is to avoid duplication, reduce unnecessary burdens on farmers, and ensure that any data collected provides clear, practical benefits at the farm level. The Board agreed that simply gathering data is not enough; it must be analysed effectively and applied to inform better decision-making and support continuous improvement across the sector.

The conversation also highlighted the need for targeted investment in both analytical tools and resources, ensuring that Red Tractor can leverage available information efficiently and maximize its value for farmers, processors, and the wider industry.

Throughout the meeting, collaboration was emphasised as the key to progress. The Boord acknowledged that sustainability, welfare, and environmental challenges are complex and cannot be solved overnight. Ongoing engagement, careful prioritisation, and strategic use of resources were recognised as being essential.

Best regards

Tim Lock

Red Tractor Dairy Sector Chair

Red Tractor Dairy Board:

  • Peter Dawson – Dairy UK
  • Ian Harvey – NFU England and Wales
  • Alice Miller – British Cattle Veterinary Association
  • Murray Patrick – NFU Scotland
  • Paul Dover – Processor
  • Richard Collins – Processor
  • Amy Jackson – TAC Chair
  • Tom Atkins – Multiple Retailer
  • Joseph Keating – BRC
  • Mervyn Gordon – UFU
  • Mark Brooking – Processor
  • Neville Graham – Processor
  • Jonathan Wilkinson – NFU England and Wales
  • Paul Flanagan – AHDB

Recent Stories…

Recent stories
Support for farming communities in Northern Ireland
Broiler growers invited to support new research on AI technology and farm assurance
Crops Sector Board Update – February 2026
Fresh Produce Sector Board Update – February 2026
Beef & Lamb Sector Board Update – February 2026
Support for building farming’s resilience at NFU Conference

12 Nov 2025

Beef & Lamb Sector Chair Update – November 2025

Dear Members,   

The Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Board met on 6th November.  The meeting was highly positive, with all Board members fully engaged and contributing constructively throughout. Everyone demonstrated a strong collective will to address the evolving needs of the sector with integrity, transparency, and strategic foresight, with significant progress being made towards reducing audit burden. While some complex issues require further exploration, the Board’s commitment to collaboration and evidence-based decision-making provides a solid foundation for progress.

Strategic direction & governance

The Board reaffirmed its support for the Beef and Lamb strategy, recognising it as a dynamic framework that must evolve with industry needs. Governance improvements were noted, including increased transparency, stakeholder engagement, and a more inclusive approach to decision-making. The Board acknowledged the need to maintain momentum and ensure that future decisions are informed by robust stakeholder input.

Standards Review

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has made considerable progress reviewing Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Standards. The approach is systematic, evidence-based, and collaborative, with an overall objective of reducing audit burden on farmers while remaining relevant and maintaining the high regard for British beef and lamb. Standards are being assessed line-by-line with justification for each clause, considering legislative alignment, risk, and practical implementation.

Initial reviews have focused on foundational areas such as documentation, personnel, traceability, and fallen stock. Future sessions will address more complex topics including biosecurity, housing, and husbandry. The Board praised the TAC’s diverse composition and the constructive tone of discussions, noting that the process is already delivering simplification and clarity without compromising rigour.

There was strong support for the TAC’s methodology, which includes benchmarking against legislation, assessing non-conformance data, and ensuring standards are both assessable and meaningful. The Board agreed that this work is essential to restoring trust and improving the farmer experience.

Following comprehensive scrutiny and approval by all members of the TAC and Board, members and other stakeholders will have the chance to share their views during the 2026 review process. Any fine-tuning based on that feedback will be completed before the updated standards are introduced in early 2027.

Assessments

The Board explored options for reforming the assessment processes, including risk-based and surveillance assessments. Proposals included tailoring assessment frequency based on non-conformance history and using data to streamline assurance. The Board supported further development of this model with input from Certification Bodies and assessors. There was agreement that any changes must be clearly communicated and aligned with the standards review process.

Communications & reputation management

Representatives from Red Tractor’s communications and marketing teams presented updates on consumer and member engagement, including the 25-year anniversary campaign and meeting members in person. The Board discussed recent activists’ exposes and the ASA ruling, praising Red Tractor’s consistent and fair response. Continued investment in communications and a sector-specific strategy, including a clear, unified articulation of the sector’s strategic priorities, were endorsed.

I raised the issue Red Tractor’s role in assuring the sector’s environmental credentials and lifetime assurance because these are of strategic importance to the sector. They are complex topics that require careful consideration, and while no decisions or timelines have been set, these issues must remain on the table. The Board’s role is to ensure they are thoroughly discussed, so that any future actions are informed, evidence-based, and aligned with the long-term interests of the sector.

Assuring environmental credentials

Building on work already underway by AHBD, our discussion covered two dimensions: legal compliance (e.g. water pollution, farming rules) and broader sustainability (e.g. biodiversity, waste, carbon).

Board members expressed concern about fragmentation across assurance schemes and duplication of effort. Red Tractor was seen as a potential unifying vehicle to streamline environmental data collection. However, there was caution about whether this fell within Red Tractor’s remit. The Board agreed that it would only progress to support any environmental credentials at the request of the entire industry.

Lifetime assurance

The lack of lifetime assurance has clear reputational implications. However, from their experience the Board felt that a significant proportion of livestock is probably already lifetime assured, but that gaps do remain, particularly in the store producer segment of the industry. Concerns were raised about market incentives, operational complexity, and the risk of alienating producers.

Despite these challenges, there was broad agreement that Red Tractor must address lifetime assurance at some point in the future to maintain consumer trust and industry integrity. The Board agreed that a lot of further exploration is needed, including consideration of potential phased implementation, clearer messaging, and alignment with market expectations. The issue will remain on the agenda for future meetings.

Best Wishes,    

John Dracup   

Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Produce Sector Chair 

Beef & Lamb Sector Board Members

  • David Morgan – NFU
  • Samantha Charlton – AHDB
  • Alice Liddle – BRC/Food Service
  • Alistair Brown – Livestock Auctioneers Association (joined in Nov 2025)
  • Phil Stocker – National Sheep Association (joined in Nov 2025)
  • Phil Hambling – British Meat Processors Association
  • Henry Blain – Multiple Retailer
  • Jude Capper – TAC Chair
  • Andrew Crutchley – British Cattle Veterinary Association
  • Sarah Haire – Dawn Meats (BMPA Representative)
  • Ben Harman – National Beef Association
  • Jack Davies – Retailer

10 Nov 2025

Backing British farming in the heart of London  

Yesterday we took to the streets of London to proudly back British farming!

Our team joined forces with the NFU (National Farmers’ Union), Surrey Docks Farm and The Worshipful Company of Farmers at the Lady Mayor’s Show — an iconic event that celebrates British heritage, community, and industry.

Marching through the capital, we helped shine a spotlight on the incredible work our British farmers do every single day, producing quality, safe, and fully traceable food that feeds our nation.

The energy from the crowds was electric! It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together to celebrate the people behind our food and to share the story of what the Red Tractor label truly stands for: trust, assurance, and British pride.

For our team, the show is more than just a parade; it’s one of the highlights of our year. It brings us together, reminds us why we do what we do, and reinforces how important it is to take our message beyond the farm gates and into the streets.

16 Oct 2025

How does Red Tractor protect the logo? 

Recognised by 75% UK shoppers, the Red Tractor logo assures consumers that the food they buy meets rigorous standards in food safety, animal welfare and traceability. To preserve this trust, Red Tractor enforces strict rules around logo usage and use of our claim terminology (“RT”, “RTA”, “RT Assured”, “Red Tractor”, “Red Tractor Assured”) to protect our brand integrity. 

Why logo protection matters: When consumers see the Red Tractor logo, they expect the product to be British, fully traceable and produced to high standards. Any misuse of the logo risks undermining this trust and the reputation of British farming. 

Trademark protection: The Red Tractor logos (Red Tractor©, Red Tractor Assured©, Red Tractor Assurance©, Red Tractor Certified Standards©) are registered trademarks, meaning only licensed and approved users may access and use them. 

All logo designs on product packaging and menus must be submitted for approval prior to printing to the Red Tractor Supply Chain Assurance Team to ensure accurate logo use by our licensees.

Enforcement and accountability:  As part of our Traceability Challenge Programme, Red Tractor actively monitors logo usage and terminology claims (e.g. “Red Tractor”) and takes enforcement action when necessary. Misuse of the logo whether intentional or accidental can result in sanctions for the licensee and negatively impacts Red Tractor’s reputation.

A shared responsibility: Every Red Tractor licensee plays a role in safeguarding the logo. By using it accurately, licensees reinforce the high standards that define British farming and maintain consumer confidence in assured food. 

Red Tractor’s Senior Licensing Manager, Joanna King explains the label is more than just a logo, it’s a symbol of trust, integrity and world-leading standards in British food production. 

Strict usage rules: 

British only: Only food businesses licensed by Red Tractor are able to use our logos and make a Red Tractor claim. Our licensees range from the smallest entrepreneurial food producers and the largest processors and packers to the most iconic British household brands and global food service providers.  

Must be licensed: All Red Tractor licensees must be technically approved to hold a licence. This approval is critical to our whole chain assurance approach, ensuring the British supply chain is meeting the standards required at each key stage in the process. 

Wide-ranging criteria: Red Tractor has robust criteria and terms & conditions in place, through our licensing process and our traceability challenge programme. 

These ensure that claims, including logo use, on products, websites, menus, marketing materials, paperwork and in any communication to promote Red Tractor products are accurate and are only made on or is association with eligible products.  

22 Sep 2025

Shared Commitment, Shared Success: Red Tractor Backing Better Dairy Welfare

The latest review of the UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy (2023–2028) shows real progress in cow health and wellbeing, driven by collaboration across the industry. The strategy sets six key goals: healthy feet, thriving cows, healthy udders, cow comfort, good nutrition, and positive welfare. Farmers, vets, researchers, processors, retailers, and assurance schemes are all contributing to these improvements.

Lameness, a costly but preventable problem, is being reduced through routine mobility scoring, while tighter control of Johne’s disease has nearly halved herd infection levels since 2015. Mastitis cases have fallen thanks to regular monitoring, and more cows are in good body condition with fewer lesions and swellings than a decade ago.

Red Tractor supports these efforts by translating welfare science into practical standards that can be applied on farm. With 98% of UK milk coming from Red Tractor-assured farms, this shared commitment is helping to drive real change. From mobility scoring at assessments to the adoption of the National Johne’s Management Plan (NJMP) into the standards, Red Tractor provides a consistent framework that ensures improvements are widespread rather than isolated.

As the strategy continues to 2028, farmers’ day-to-day dedication, backed by science-led innovation and practical standards, will remain central to future progress in cow welfare and sustainability. As Red Tractor evolves to meet changing industry demands we will look to see where our standards can support the strategy.

Jemma Holden, Red Tractor’s Dairy Technical Manager underlined Red Tractor’s role in bridging welfare science with practical standards. She said “Improving cow welfare is a shared commitment. Red Tractor’s role is to translate welfare science into practical, on-farm standards. By providing clear, consistent standards we’re helping the industry make meaningful, lasting progress in line with the Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy. As industry demands evolve, we’ll continue to ensure our standards support that strategy.”

Find the 2025 review of progress report here: Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy – A Review of Progress 2023-2025.

03 Sep 2025

Red Tractor reminds members to maintain poultry training compliance

Red Tractor is reminding all members involved in poultry production of the ongoing requirement to enrol in and progress through the Poultry Passport scheme, a key part of maintaining high standards across the industry.

This requirement is not new. The current Red Tractor Poultry standards and their predecessors have included professional training expectations since the early 2010s. While the legal obligation to complete the Poultry Diploma applies specifically to meat chickens, Red Tractor extends the training standard to all poultry schemes. This aligns with the British Poultry Training initiative, ensuring consistent professional qualifications across the UK poultry sector.

The push for formal qualifications traces back to the 2007 EU Broiler Directive, which mandated formal training for all personnel involved in meat chicken production. The UK poultry industry responded with an industry-led approach, expanding it to cover the wider poultry sector.

What Members Need to Know

All relevant personnel must be enrolled on the Poultry Passport scheme within six months of starting their role within the business. A confirmation email or letter from Poultry Passport can be used as evidence of enrolment at your assessment. It is important that personnel understand what is expected of them, which includes completing between five to seven short courses, depending on their role and responsibilities. For certain roles personnel will need to complete a City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture (Poultry).

Once enrolled, staff are expected to make consistent progress with their training. Everyone must complete at least two modules every 12 months; one module is the equivalent of one short course, or one unit of the Diploma, it us up the learner how they wish to plan their learning progress. Refreshing short courses does not count towards this requirement, and all short courses must be kept in date once they have been completed. Evidence of progress can be shown in several ways, ideally through your Poultry Passport dashboard, training certificates, or a diploma portfolio (either paper or e-portfolio).

The best way for you to demonstrate compliance at your audit is via your online poultry passport dashboard as this provides the most up-to-date information on the training progress and is the most efficient way of demonstrating that you meet this standard. A poultry passport ‘Team Manager’ account can provide visibility of the training records of all staff members – there is no need for an individual to share their login details. Don’t forget you can always login from your phone, but if you are without internet access, print the ‘Print Version’ from your Poultry Passport dashboard in landscape mode and fit to printable area to ensure it fits on one page.

For roles at Level 2 and above, a Diploma in Work-based Agriculture (Poultry) is mandatory. Where personnel already have existing qualifications, for example, an NVQ in Livestock Production (poultry)’, certificates can be submitted to Poultry Passport to be approved as an acceptable equivalent to completing the Diploma. Other higher qualifications which include poultry may also be an acceptable equivalent, as long as they cover the topics of the Diploma. It may be possible for personnel to enrol for the Diploma via an apprenticeship scheme, or through privately funded training. Both routes are equally valid, and your training provider can advise which option is most suitable for you.

Handling Training Challenges

Red Tractor recognises that delays in enrolment or training progression may occur. Any non-conformances should ideally be resolved within 28 days, with proof of enrolment or course booking shared with your certification body (CB). Where necessary, extensions can be arranged if a documented progression plan is in place.

Members are encouraged to work closely with their training provider to address gaps, create tailored training plans, and provide support for staff with language or learning needs. Keeping your CB informed of any delays or changes to training timelines is essential.

Quick Checklist:

  • Enrol all relevant personnel within six months (from day one in the role)
  • Ensure personnel complete training at the minimum level required: at least two modules per year (made up of either short courses or diploma units; refreshing short courses does not count towards this provision and all short courses should be kept in date once complete)
  • Diplomas, where required (Level 2+) should be completed at a minimum of two units per year. Where this is not possible, agree a progression plan with your training provider and share it with your CB to extend the close out of any nonconformance.
  • Check existing qualifications for equivalence with the Diploma with Poultry Passport for approval.
  • Provide formal and official evidence of enrolment, training progress, and diploma commencement when required.
  • Contact your training provider for support with training gaps, plans, or learning needs.
  • Keep your CB informed of delays or changes to training timelines.
  • Check now if you are compliant ahead of your next assessment, if you will not meet the standard requirement, ensure that you have a documented plan ready to show your path to compliance.

For full guidance, including exemptions and enrolment instructions, visit Poultry Passport. Plus, find context to the Red Tractor standards on the Poultry Passport, as well answers to some frequently asked questions about how to comply on our website here.

29 Aug 2025

Communications specialist and researcher Dr Amy Jackson to Chair Dairy TAC 

Dr Amy Jackson is a highly respected communications specialist and researcher with extensive experience in the UK dairy sector. 

She is the founder of Oxtale, an agribusiness PR consultancy specialising in issues and crisis management, and has spent over two decades advising farming organisations, processors, and food businesses on reputation, conflict resolution and behaviour change, with a particular eye on building bridges with the public.  

As well as serving as Head of Communications for the Milk Development Council, Amy has provided guidance on managing challenges around ‘megafarm’ projects, supported businesses at the centre of the horsemeat storm, and led the communications turnaround on antibiotic use in UK livestock for RUMA. 

Her PhD at Nottingham Vet School examined public preferences for dairy farming in the UK, work which has changed the way she approaches difficult reputational challenges for the sector such as animal welfare, environmental performance and supply chain integrity. 

She has also contributed her expertise to numerous technical and policy groups, helping shape practical, evidence-based approaches that balance high production standards with the commercial realities of farming across a broad range of systems. 

On her appointment Amy said, ” I’m a strong believer in farm assurance, an evidence-based approach, and the power of a diverse group—which makes this role my perfect challenge. The TAC contains some very talented and knowledgeable people, and I’m committed to making sure that not only is everyone’s voice is heard, but we find robust ways forward on some very tricky technical challenges which lie ahead for the dairy sector.

On welcoming Amy to the role, Dairy Sector Board Chair Tim Lock said,  “I am delighted that Dr. Amy Jackson has agreed to take over as Chair of the Red Tractor Dairy Technical Advisory Committee. Her wide experience across the whole dairy supply chain will be invaluable as we move forward to make sure our standards are relevant, robust, and fit for the future for farmer, processor and retailer.” 

29 Aug 2025

Professor Jude Capper appointed Chair of the Beef & Lamb TAC

Jude is a well-known figure in the livestock sector, specialising in practical, science-led solutions that help beef and sheep farmers improve efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental performance.

Currently the ABP Chair of Sustainable Beef and Sheep Production at Harper Adams University, she has nearly two decades of research and advisory experience.  

A passionate advocate for evidence-based decision-making, Jude’s work focuses on developing practical, science-led solutions that improve efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental outcomes across the supply chain. Her expertise has shaped policy discussions, industry strategies, and consumer engagement on the role of livestock in sustainable food production. 

Jude is also a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, and holds leadership positions within the industry, including Vice-Chair of the National Beef Association and Chair of the Route Panel for Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care at Skills England. She has also served on multiple advisory boards, working closely with farmers, processors, retailers, and policymakers. 

With a long career in research and industry, Professor Capper believes the work of Red Tractor is hugely important, and vital to get right. As Chair of the Beef and Lamb TAC, Jude will also sit on the Beef and Lamb Sector Board.  On her appointment Jude said:

“A sustainable, resilient food supply chain is dependent on trust, from the farmers who produce food through the processors and retailers to the consumers who buy it in the supermarket. To ensure that the UK food supply chain is sustainable, we must implement evidence-based, appropriate, applicable food assurance standards that are transparent and therefore maintain trust for all involved. 

We know that our farm assurance schemes are incredibly robust compared to other global standards, but we must continue to examine their relevance and applicability and to ensure that they help producers to be better and more profitable, rather than adding to the burden of paperwork. 

As global markets continue to put pressure on UK agriculture, we must demonstrate that we are making the right choices with respect to animal health and welfare, environmental protection, labour, documentation and food safety.”

29 Aug 2025

Be prepared: New rules for buying rodenticides from 2026 

29 August 2025

If you use or buy professional rodenticides, there are some changes coming in from 1 January 2026.

From that date, the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticides Use (CRRU) will require users of rodenticides to show proof of competence when buying these products. These are not Red Tractor’s rules, but there are a couple of straightforward ways to qualify: 

  • Complete a CRRU UK-approved training course (within the last 5 years), 
    OR 
  • Be signed up to a CRRU UK-recognised CPD (Continuing Professional Development) scheme. 

You’ll need to show this proof when buying rodenticides from 2026 onwards. These changes are part of updated rules being put in place to make sure rodenticides are used responsibly by everyone – including farmers, pest controllers, and gamekeepers. 

You can find approved training courses and check recognised CPD schemes on the CRRU website.   

29 Aug 2025

Barbara Bray MBE appointed chair of Fresh Produce TAC 

Nuffield Scholar and leading nutritionist Barbara Bray MBE has been appointed as chair of Red Tractor’s Fresh Produce TAC.

Barbara is best known for her work in food safety, supply chains, and nutrition strategy. 

She has held influential roles including director of the Oxford Farming Conference 2022, Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, trustee of the Nutrition Society, and UN Committee for Food Security speaker. 

She earned her Nuffield Farming Scholarship in 2017 to study global food systems and completed a project on vegetable production for specific nutritional needs. In 2019, she was awarded an MBE for services to food. On her appointment to the role Barbara said,

“I’m pleased to have joined the Red Tractor Fresh Produce Technical Advisory Committee at such a key time for the organisation. 

Red Tractor has entered a period of change and is committed to rebuilding and strengthening farmer trust in its standards development process. 

I will ensure all voices in our sector are heard as we review food safety standards and welcome ideas that strengthen trust in UK food.”