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Author: laurenwade

25 Aug 2026

Red Tractor showcases the strength of British pork

For buyers operating in increasingly complex global markets, trust, traceability and supply chain assurance have never been more important.

Providing confidence to international buyers

On Monday, Philippa Wiltshire, Director of Standards & Operations and Deputy CEO at Red Tractor joined AHDB to showcase the strengths of British pig farming to Chinese delegates.

Philippa outlined how Red Tractor assurance gives international buyers confidence in British pork through independent verification, full traceability and clearly defined production standards.

Operating across the entire supply chain

A key focus was how Red Tractor operates across the entire supply chain, from feed and farms through transport and processing to retail or export, with practical controls covering food safety, animal health and welfare, biosecurity and medicine use.

The UK has a strong reputation for producing high-quality pork, with standards playing a key role in building confidence in British produce.

Find out more about Red Tractor pork Standards

19 Aug 2026

Red Tractor celebrates Cumbria’s farming future at the Cumbria Farmer Awards

Red Tractor was proud to sponsor the Judges’ Special Award at the Cumbria Farmer Awards on Friday 14 August, helping to celebrate the people and businesses making a real difference to farming in Cumbria.

The award was presented to D.M.J Hetherington of Maryport, a fourth-generation family farming business where three generations work together to run a diverse coastal enterprise spanning dairy, beef, tourism and direct-to-consumer sales.

Connecting people with the countryside

The family’s 190-cow dairy herd sits alongside a beef enterprise, with both businesses underpinned by a strong focus on soil health and regenerative farming. They are also investing in renewable energy, tree planting and hedge management as part of their approach to sustainable farming.

Away from the farm, their caravan park and wider community initiatives, including coastal clean-ups, are helping to connect more people with the countryside and the role farming plays within it.

Three generations working together

Jemma Holden, Red Tractor Technical Manager, presented the award on the night. She said: “The Hetherington family really stand out because of the way they are bringing together everything that is important about a successful modern farming business. Three generations are working alongside each other, with a clear respect for the traditions and values the business has been built on, while also looking ahead and embracing new ideas.

“They have built a genuinely diverse business while putting real thought into how they farm for the future. Their focus on soil health and regenerative practices shows that sustainability is not simply an add-on, it is part of how they are developing the business.”

Joseph Hetherington said the award was especially meaningful as a recognition of the family and whole team’s contribution and of the future the next generation is helping to build.

Gratitude and pride

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the Judges’ Special Award. Farming is very much a team effort for us, and with three generations of the family working together, this award means a great deal to all of us.

“To be chosen by a panel of people who work within the industry and see so many outstanding business is truly humbling, we are filled with gratitude and pride.”

“This recognition gives us all a real boost. We are proud of what previous generations have built, but we are equally excited about the future and the opportunities ahead. To receive this award together as a family makes it particularly special.”

Shining a light on dedication and professionalism

Cumbria farmer and Red Tractor Chair Alistair Mackintosh added: “Red Tractor supports British farmers and food producers in building trust and confidence in the food they produce. Celebrating success and innovation in our farming communities is an important part of that.

“We are delighted to be able to shine a light on the dedication and professionalism behind British food and recognise the people who are helping to build a strong and sustainable future for our industry.

“Congratulations to the Hetherington family on a thoroughly deserved award.”

Find out more about Red Tractor Standards

14 Aug 2026

Love British Food and Red Tractor join forces to champion British food and farming

Love British Food has welcomed Red Tractor as its Lead Assurance Partner for 2026, bringing the two organisations together to champion British food and strengthen demand for assured British produce within the foodservice, retail and public sector.

A strong case for sourcing British food

The announcement comes as Love British Food marks its 25th anniversary and responds to a clear message from farmers of the important role Red Tractor plays in helping to champion the value of British food and farming.

By connecting the influence of both organisations, the partnership aims to make a stronger case for sourcing British food across the supply chain.

For consumers, this collaboration seeks to improve understanding of the rigorous standards and provenance behind assured British food. For buyers, caterers and retailers, it aims to support informed sourcing decisions.

Amplify support for British food and farming

Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, said: “British farm businesses need wider industry ambition to translate into meaningful commercial action.

“This partnership brings together the reach of both organisations across food production, foodservice, retail and consumers to amplify support for British food and farming. Linking Love British Food and Red Tractor has to make sense for British food and farming.

“We are stronger working together. Aligning our activities will make the case for British sourcing more effectively and encourage that commitment to be reflected in menu and purchasing decisions and tender specifications. Working with Red Tractor gives us the opportunity to connect the promotion of British food with the independently assured standards that underpin it, helping buyers source with confidence.”

Growing consumer understanding

Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Red Tractor, said “British farmers, growers and processors work hard every day to produce food to high standards, and they deserve to see that recognised throughout the supply chain.

“With every major retailer and many food service companies in the UK already specifying Red Tractor assurance in their sourcing policies, and the logo recognised by three quarters of UK consumers, we want to do more to grow consumer understanding of the logo while creating new opportunities for assured businesses throughout the supply chain.

“This partnership is a great opportunity to amplify support for British food and farming.”

This partnership will also strengthen activity in the build-up to British Food Fortnight, which runs from 26 September – 11 October 2026, with both organisations using their combined networks to encourage more farmers, growers, producers and caterers to take part and showcase the breadth and value of British food.

Whole Supply Chain Assurance

13 Aug 2026

Show your support for British farming

We know how important it is for farmers to have the opportunity to share their story and help consumers understand the work that goes into producing British food.

To support this, we have a range of free Red Tractor resources available for members to use, including our new “Backing British Farming” window stickers.

A visible reminder of the important role Red Tractor farmers play

The stickers are a simple way to show your support for British farming and help start conversations about the people behind the food we all enjoy. Whether displayed on vehicles, in farm shops, at events or around your local community, they provide a visible reminder of the important role Red Tractor farmers play in producing food to high standards.

Alongside the new window stickers, members can access a range of other materials to help showcase British farming and share their story, including, leaflets, bunting, note pads, pens and stickers that can be used at farm events, open days and other community activities.

Demonstrate the positive contribution of British agriculture

We want to make it easier for members to have the tools they need to engage with the public and demonstrate the positive contribution of British agriculture.

To order your “Backing British Farming” window stickers and explore the full range of available merchandise, visit the Red Tractor website. You’ll need your membership number to place an order.

Order Red Tractor merchandise

28 Jul 2026

Red Tractor connects with sheep farmers at NSA Sheep Event

The NSA Sheep Event provided a valuable opportunity for Red Tractor to meet directly with sheep farmers, industry experts from across the sector, strengthening relationships and discussing the future of farm assurance.

Held at the heart of the sheep farming community, the event brought together professionals from across the industry and gave the Red Tractor team the chance to hear first-hand about the challenges, priorities and opportunities facing producers.

Fostering relationships, transparency and collaboration

Red Tractor’s Beef and Lamb Sector Chair, John Dracup, said: “By coming to the event and having open dialogue, we hope to foster stronger relationships, transparency and collaboration with the sector. I am confident this will help rebuild a sense of trust between Red Tractor and the sheep farming community.

“The team were particularly keen to hear members’ views and feedback. We share the same goal of securing a strong future for the sector and remain committed to understanding the real-world challenges and opportunities farmers face.”

Understanding the realities of sheep farming

The event also provided an important opportunity for Red Tractor’s new CEO, Paul McLaughlin, to meet members and discuss the organisation’s response to the Farm Assurance Review. Speaking from the NSA stand, Paul outlined the steps being taken to ensure the scheme continues to deliver value for farmers, the wider supply chain and consumers.

Paul said: “Understanding the realities of sheep farming is central to how Red Tractor moves forward. The Farm Assurance Review has given us an opportunity to consider what works well, where improvements can be made, and how we can continue to support farmers while delivering robust assurance across the food chain.

“Events like the NSA Sheep Event are incredibly important because they allow us to engage directly with producers. We want farmers to know their views matter and that we are committed to working with the sector to shape the future of farm assurance.”

Ensuring standards remain clear, effective and proportionate

Paul shared an update on Red Tractor’s ongoing line-by-line review of its standards, led by farmers, technical experts and wider industry stakeholders. The review is examining every requirement to ensure standards remain clear, effective and proportionate, while continuing to protect animal welfare, food safety and the reputation of British agriculture.

Red Tractor Chief Executive, Paul McLaughlin, appears on stage.

Paul added: “The contribution of NSA CEO Phil Stocker MBE and former Chair Bryan Griffiths to our Beef and Lamb Sector Board and Technical Advisory Committee has been invaluable. Their insight, expertise and attention to detail have played a significant role in helping us finalise standards that the sheep sector can be proud of, and I am extremely grateful for their support throughout the process.”

He confirmed that the formal consultation on proposed changes to the standards will launch at the end of September, giving members and stakeholders the opportunity to share their views and help shape the future of the scheme.

Red Tractor is encouraging farmers to take part and have their say, ensuring the voices of those working on farms remains at the centre of the process.

Improving the Beef & Lamb Scheme

24 Jul 2026

Reminder to livestock members: Maintain compliance and stay vigilant

As activist activity targeting UK livestock farms continues, we encourage all livestock producers to remain vigilant and ensure Red Tractor standards are met everyday.

Consistent, high standards safeguard confidence in British farming

Regularly reviewing farm practices, ensuring everyone working with livestock understands their responsibilities, and addressing any issues promptly are key to maintaining compliance. Consistent, high standards of animal care not only protect your business but also help safeguard confidence in British farming.

Fair and evidence-based

Where allegations are made, Red Tractor works quickly and proportionately to establish the facts. We carefully review and verify the available evidence, seek expert and veterinary advice where appropriate, and work closely with certification bodies to investigate any potential non-compliance. We are committed to taking fair, evidence-based action where standards have not been met, while also challenging inaccurate or misleading claims and supporting compliant members.

Read more about how we handle exposes

22 Jul 2026

Red Tractor Board Update – July 2026

The Red Tractor Board met on 17 July. The meeting included approval to consult on proposed changes to the Beef & Lamb and Dairy standards, discussion of future farmer wellbeing initiatives, a presentation from the Environment Agency, a review of actions being taken in response to the Farmer Sentiment Survey, and a report from the Audit and Finance Committee.

We began with a moment of reflection for  David Barton, Chair of the NFU Livestock Board and a member of the Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Technical Advisory Committee, who passed away unexpectedly on 16 July. David was a passionate advocate for British beef farmers and played a key role in efforts to tackle bovine TB. He will be greatly missed by the agricultural community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

Updates from the Chair and CEO

During the meeting, our new Chief Executive, Paul McLaughlin, and I reflected on a busy and productive two months for Red Tractor.

Alongside welcoming Paul to the organisation, we have also welcomed John Mercer, Deputy CEO for NFU and Director for NFU Cymru to the Ownership Body. Over recent weeks, we’ve attended industry events, including Cereals, Beef Expo, the Royal Highland Show and the Royal Welsh Show, meeting farmers, growers and stakeholders from across the supply chain.

Conversations at these events have been overwhelmingly positive and constructive. The encouragement and support shown by stakeholders is greatly appreciated as we continue to deliver improvements to Red Tractor assurance.

I would also like to thank everyone involved in our Sector Boards and Technical Advisory Committees (TACs), particularly the Chairs, for the tremendous amount of work they are undertaking to review standards and engage stakeholders throughout the process.

Paul also reported on his first two months as Chief Executive, during which he attended all six Sector Board meetings. In addition to meeting farmers and growers at the events, his visits have included farm assessments, processor tours and meetings with retailers, providing valuable insights.

Standards Review

The Board received an update from the Standards Committee, which met on 7 July. The Committee’s primary focus was reviewing and approving the proposed revised Beef & Lamb and Dairy Standards for consultation later this year.

The Beef & Lamb and Dairy TACs have undertaken a comprehensive review of all standards and audit points, examining them line by line to improve clarity, remove duplication, provide greater flexibility in how outcomes are delivered on farm, and ensure standards remain fit for the future.

The proposed changes also introduce a common set of core standards across both sectors, helping to reduce duplication for certified dairy farmers in England.

Further information on the proposed changes, which have the full support of everyone on the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Sector Boards, will be shared with stakeholders ahead of a six-week consultation in the autumn.

Consultations on the remaining four schemes – Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet, Fresh Produce, Pigs and Poultry – are planned for later in the year, allowing time for their TACs and Sector Boards to complete the review process.

Farmer wellbeing

The Board reviewed outputs from a farmer wellbeing workshop held in June, which brought together experts from across farming, academia, certification and support organisations.

The workshop explored the impact assurance can have on farmers’ mental health and identified practical actions to reduce unnecessary stress. The Board reviewed a range of actions already underway, together with short- and longer-term opportunities that will be incorporated into Red Tractor’s developing five-year strategy.

Environment Agency

The Board is keen to better understand the Environment Agency’s approach to farm inspections and explore opportunities to create value for farmers and growers in England through earned recognition and data-sharing initiatives.

The Board received a presentation from the Agency’s Deputy Director of Agriculture and Land, who outlined how additional funding is being used to expand farm inspections. The Agency regulates approximately 100,000 farms across England and is increasing inspection activity, particularly in areas with protected status, high livestock densities and catchments where water quality is failing environmental targets.

The presentation highlighted the Agency’s commitment to supporting productive and sustainable agriculture while reducing environmental impacts. Additional officers have been recruited to undertake inspections, with a continued emphasis on advice and support rather than enforcement action.

Discussion focused on opportunities for collaboration that could deliver value for farmers while providing assurance to customers. Topics included reducing duplication between inspections; financial, planning and practical barriers to greater environmental protection; improving access to advice and guidance; the role of customers in supporting environmental outcomes; and the importance of recognising the impact that inspection and audit requirements can have on farmer wellbeing.

The Board agreed that Red Tractor should continue to explore potential opportunities for collaborating with the Environment Agency, bringing any proposals to Sector Boards for consideration.

Delivering on farmer feedback

Following Grounded Research’s presentation at the previous meeting, the Board reviewed progress on actions already underway in response to the Farmer Sentiment Survey.

This includes a significant programme of work to strengthen Red Tractor’s communications, demonstrate greater support and advocacy for British food and farming, and improve transparency. It also incorporates work to reduce audit burden through the farm standards review, which remains a key priority for farmers and growers.

Audit and finance

Chris Goodwin, Independent Director for Finance, presented the audited accounts for Assured Food Standards, confirmed that the reserves target was materially met and that no issues had been raised by the external auditors. The Board reviewed and approved the accounts for signing and filing with Companies House, as well as confirming that the organisation remains a going concern.

Chris will complete his term as an Independent Director at the end of 2026. The process to appoint a successor will begin shortly.

Kind regards,

Alistair Macintosh, Red Tractor Chair

Red Tractor Board members:

  • Alistair Macintosh – Chair
  • John Pain – Vice Chair
  • Paul Tompkins – Industry Director, Farmers Union (sent his apologies for this meeting)
  • Will Jackson – Industry Director, AHDB (covered for by Ken Boyns)
  • Dean Holroyd – Industry Director, BMPA
  • Natalie Smith – Industry Director, BRC
  • Chris Goodwin – Independent Director, Finance
  • James Russell – Independent Director, Vet
  • John Dracup – Beef & Lamb Sector Chair
  • Julian Sturdy – Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Sector Chair
  • Tim Lock – Dairy Sector Chair
  • Veryan Bliss – Fresh Produce Sector Chair
  • Stewart Houston CBE, FRAgs – Pigs Sector Chair
  • Nick Major – Poultry Sector Chair
  • Paul McLaughlin – Chief Executive
Improving farm assessments and standards

10 Jul 2026

No consumer should be confused about whether food is British

Following calls from MPs for greater transparency around country-of-origin labelling, Red Tractor Chief Executive, Paul McLaughlin, has commented on the importance of ensuring consumers can clearly identify whether food is British.

Nobody should ever be misled about where their food comes from.

British farmers and growers, together with the supply chain, have convened behind the Red Tractor scheme, working hard to earn the trust of consumers. That trust depends on clear and honest information at the point of purchase.

Shoppers overwhelmingly trust British

We know shoppers overwhelmingly trust British food and British farmers and as an industry we can’t afford for that trust to be lost.

Using the Union Jack on produce that is not wholly British from farm to pack risks undermining that trust. It blurs the lines between food that has been produced here to British standards and food that may only have been processed or packed here.

Circle of trust

If we are asking shoppers to buy British and support British farmers and growers who produce our food to some of the highest standards in the world, we have to make it easy for them to do so.

This is why the Red Tractor logo matters. When food is produced in the UK to Red Tractor standards it carries the logo and sits within what I would describe as a circle of trust. It means shoppers, retailers and the wider supply chain can have confidence in the rigorous, independently verified production standards from farms to pack.

Today, the Red Tractor logo appears on more than £17 billion worth of British food and drink, produced by more than 40,000 British farms and growers.

Build on consumer trust

My ambition is simple: I want Red Tractor to be trusted by farmers, chosen by markets and understood by consumers.

Clear British labelling should build on consumer trust, not put it at risk. No consumer should ever be left confused about whether the food they are buying is truly British and the best way to overcome that is to look for the Red Tractor.

03 Jul 2026

Dairy Sector Board Update – June 2026

Message from Tim Lock, Dairy Sector Chair, Red Tractor

Dear Members,

The primary purpose of the recent Dairy Sector Board meeting was to discuss the work of the Dairy Technical Advisory Committee reviewing the Red Tractor Dairy Standards. We were pleased to welcome Georgina Grimes who joins as a new board member representing small/medium sized first purchasers from Yeo Valley and who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.

The Dairy Board was pleased to welcome Red Tractor’s new CEO, Paul McLaughlin, to the meeting. His attendance provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the wider direction of travel for Red Tractor and the continued importance of sector-led decision making.

Paul shared his early priorities as CEO, with a strong focus on engaging directly with farmers, processors and retailers. He set out a clear ambition for Red Tractor to be trusted by farmers, chosen by markets and understood by consumers. Importantly, the discussion reinforced that standards must remain industry-defined, with Sector Boards and Technical Advisory Committees at the heart of decision-making.

Animal handling training

The Dairy Board discussed a proposal from a subgroup, including AHDB, to explore a baseline approach to animal handling training across the dairy sector. This reflects the need to recognise existing good practice while ensuring there is a clear and consistent approach that works in practice for diary farmers.

The board agreed to support further scoping work by AHDB, with the aim of developing a practical, industry-wide approach that reflects current farm practice and supply chain expectations.

Farmer sentiment

Director of Communications, Jo Miller presented to the board a summary from the latest Post Assessment Survey and Farmer Sentiment Survey data from dairy members. Encouragingly, dairy farmer sentiment is more positive than the industry average, with 36% of dairy members expressing a positive view of Red Tractor and 29% remaining neutral.

Assessors also continue to be rated highly for professionalism, expertise and fairness, and nearly half of the 226 dairy members surveyed since January, 47% have used the Red Tractor portal, with the majority rating it good or excellent.

Standards Review – where are we now

After a significant amount of work involving farmers, industry representatives and technical experts, I am pleased to say that the Dairy Board has now approved the proposed Dairy Standards and agreed that they should move forward to consultation.

This has been a detailed and collaborative process, led by the Technical Advisory Committee, with input from across the supply chain. More than 1,100 man-hours have been invested through online and in-person sessions, with every standard reviewed line by line to ensure it remains relevant, proportionate and fit for purpose.

The aim throughout has been to make sure the standards continue to reflect modern farming practice, reduce audit burden and ensure they are shaped by those working in the industry.

What this means in practice

In practical terms, the review has delivered a reduction in the overall number of standards and audit points combined. This should make a clearer, more proportionate assessment experience for farmers.

The review has focused on improving how requirements are presented and assessed to make the audit process less burdensome. The work has focused on removing duplication, improving clarity and ensuring the standards are easier to navigate and apply in practice.

At the same time, the Dairy Board is clear that we must continue to uphold the integrity and robustness of Red Tractor and the dairy industry, ensuring standards still deliver confidence for the supply chain and consumers.

The TAC is also exploring a move to a more proportionate approach to assurance. This would mean recognising good compliance while allowing assessments to be more targeted, with lighter audits for consistently strong performers and greater scrutiny where there are repeat non-conformances.

Consultation – the opportunity to have your say

The next step in the process is consultation. The proposed standards are expected to go out to full member consultation in the autumn, following review by the Standards Committee in July.

When this opens, you will have the opportunity to:

  • look through the proposed changes in detail
  • provide feedback on what works and what does not
  • highlight anything that does not reflect real farm practice
  • suggest where further improvements can be made.

This is an important stage and part of our commitment to making the process as open and industry led as possible.

This consultation is an important part of Red Tractor’s commitment to taking onboard feedback and your opportunity to influence the outcome and ensure the standards work in practice for you.

I strongly encourage you to take part. This is not simply a formality; your feedback will directly shape what the final set of standards look like.

Looking ahead

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the standards review so far and, in particular, extend my thanks to Jemma for the huge amount of work she has put in throughout this process. This has genuinely been an industry-led process, with a huge amount of time, effort and expertise invested to get to this point.

We will be in touch again soon with further details on how to take part in the consultation and have your say.

Tim Lock

Chair, Red Tractor Dairy Sector Board

Dairy Sector Board Members:

  • Tim Lock – Chair
  • 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 Booking – Processor
  • Neville Graham – Processor
  • Georgina Grimes – Processor
  • Jonathan Wilkinson – NFU England and Wales
  • Paul Flanagan – AHDB

03 Jul 2026

Fresh Produce Sector Board Update – June 2026

Message from Veryan Bliss, Fresh Produce Sector Chair, Red Tractor

Dear Members,

The Fresh Produce Sector Board met on 25th June 2026 for a constructive and wide-ranging discussion covering the upcoming standards review, the launch of the leafy salads add-on, LEAF Marque v17, licensing, HSE pesticide store inspections and ongoing pressures facing growers across the sector.

Weather challenges

Weather was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Board members highlighted the impact of heat, heavy rainfall and changing growing conditions across a range of crops, including salads, potatoes, soft fruit, protected crops and root crops. While some crops are performing well, growers continue to face significant challenges around availability, quality, crop stress, water management, energy costs, market demand and margins.

The Board also discussed the continuing pressures in the potato sector, including the impacts of surplus production in Europe, reduced planted area in the UK and the need to stretch stored crop for longer than usual.

Changes to the Board

Phil Pearson has decided to step down from the Board, due to other commitments in the growing business. He has made a valuable contribution to the work of the Board and remains a strong advocate for the industry. Kelly Shields will also leave the Board in July when she leaves her role at the Fresh Produce Consortium. We are taking the opportunity to review our board membership and recruit new industry representatives where there is an identified need.

CEO introduction

The Board welcomed Red Tractor’s new CEO, Paul McLaughlin, who joined the meeting to introduce himself and share his perspective on the future direction of the scheme.

He emphasised the importance of sector autonomy and the role of the Sector Board and TAC in owning the development of the standards.

Sector engagement

There has been significant engagement across the fresh produce sector and the wider supply chain. This has included ongoing discussions with retailers, processors, licensees, trade bodies and industry groups, as well as LEAF. In addition, Red Tractor has attended events such as Festival of Fresh, which included a presentation from Sam Trevey, Red Tractor Fresh Produce Technical Manager, and was attended by a number of colleagues in order to engage with the sector and gather feedback on the current standards.

There was also discussion about how Red Tractor can better communicate the value of assurance to growers.

The Board discussed opportunities to showcase farmers and growers who are proud to farm under Red Tractor assurance and champion the value it brings.

Standards review and TAC update

The Fresh Produce Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) continues to make strong progress with the review of the Fresh Produce Standards.

The review remains a significant and detailed piece of work. The TAC has now held 17 weekly meetings and has reviewed most of the core standards. Around 80% of the review has been completed, with additional operational areas still in progress.

The TAC has continued to focus on streamlining standards, reducing duplication and ensuring requirements remain practical, proportionate and based on risk. In addition, the review is considering crop risk, categorisation, additional guidance and how standards can better reflect the needs of different business types. Audit burden remains a key priority, particularly for smaller businesses and potato growers, who make up a significant proportion of the membership.

The Board discussed longer-term issues that may shape future standards, including food safety, pesticide regulation, climate impacts, people and skills, technology, AI, consumer trust and the potential for false or AI-generated evidence during audits. These are emerging risks that will require careful thought as assurance continues to evolve.

The TAC aims to have presented the proposed standards changes to the Sector Board by September when an additional board meeting will take place to sign-off ahead of consultation later in the year.

Leafy salads add-on

The Board received an update on the new leafy salads add-on, which launched on 1st June 2026 and is now being assessed alongside routine assessments for in-scope members.

Only a small number of assessments have been completed so far, but early feedback has been positive. The compliance issues identified to date have been minor, and assessor queries have been limited.

The add-on was developed in response to an industry request to strengthen food safety standards and the need for a clear, consistent mechanism to demonstrate existing good practice. It has been designed to reflect the work already being undertaken across much of the industry, while helping to raise the baseline and protect the reputation of the wider fresh produce sector.

Although the direct footprint of the add-on is relatively small, the broader reputational benefit is important. It provides a practical way for the industry to respond to emerging concerns, reduce the risk of multiple customer requirements and support one consistent approach.

LEAF Marque v17

The Board discussed the launch of LEAF Marque v17, which came into effect on 5th May 2026. This is a major revision, with changes to both the structure and detail of the standards.

Red Tractor is carrying out benchmarking work to compare LEAF Marque with the Red Tractor Fresh Produce Standards and identify areas of overlap. Further discussions with LEAF are planned to explore whether there may be opportunities for greater alignment, earned recognition or a more streamlined approach where standards already cover similar requirements.

The Board agreed that Red Tractor must continue to focus on reducing unnecessary audit burden, using digital tools where appropriate, and ensuring that growers are not unfairly impacted by duplication between assurance schemes.

Licensing and logo use

The Board welcomed colleagues from the Licensing team, who outlined their ambition for Red Tractor to be the standard for UK-grown fresh produce.

The Board discussed the importance of increasing visible logo use on assured produce and ensuring that Red Tractor’s value is clearly understood by retailers, licensees, growers and consumers.

The Licensing team explained that a Red Tractor claim is not limited to use of the logo. It can also include paperwork associated with the product status, use of Red Tractor terminology, buying specifications or customer codes of practice. The claim definition has not been changed, but there is a need for clearer communication to support understanding.

There was a discussion about how to keep Licensing fees accessible for growers, including the importance of a low minimum fee.

Looking ahead, the Board considered how the Red Tractor brand can remain visible and influential as the retail environment changes. As online shopping continues to grow, packaging reduces and AI-driven shopping tools become more common, it will be important to ensure assurance, trust and logo visibility remain present at the point of choice.

Pesticide store inspections

The Board revisited previous discussions about HSE pesticide store inspections and the potential for earned recognition but the topic will be raised with Defra and the Board kept updated.

Looking ahead

Thank you to all Board members, TAC members, contributors and Red Tractor colleagues for their continued commitment, insight and challenge.

The sector continues to face significant pressure, from weather volatility and market challenges to audit burden, regulation and changing consumer expectations. However, the engagement across the Fresh Produce Sector Board, TAC, supply chain and wider industry remains positive and constructive.

Our focus remains on supporting fresh produce farmers and growers in delivering robust due diligence. reducing unnecessary burden, strengthening trust in the Red Tractor scheme and ensuring our standards remain practical, proportionate and future ready.

Veryan Bliss

Chair, Red Tractor Fresh Produce Sector Board

Fresh Produce Sector Board Members:

  • Veryan Bliss – Chair
  • Tim Casey – Grower and NFU
  • Jan Redpath – Grower and NFUS
  • Damon Johnson – Retailer and BRC
  • James Lee – Agronomist
  • Kelly Shields – Fresh Produce Consortium
  • Stephen Shields – Grower and NFU
  • Barbara Bray MBE – TAC Chair
  • Andrew McHardy – Retailer
  • Jenny Heath – Grower
  • John Walgate – BGA
  • Andrew Knaggs – Grower and BLSA

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