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Author: laurenwade

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

29 Jun 2026

Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Sector Board Update – June 2026

Message from Julian Sturdy, Chair of the Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Sector Board

Dear Members,

The June meeting of the Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board focused heavily on the future shape of the scheme standards and how we ensure assurance continues to deliver value for growers while meeting the needs of markets and customers. We welcomed Robbie Dennis as the NFU Sugar representative and Andrew Williamson as the NFU Crops representative. Ken Boyns joined to represent AHDB.

The Board heard from new Red Tractor CEO, Paul McLaughlin, who set out a clear ambition for Red Tractor to be trusted by farmers, chosen by markets and understood by consumers, reinforcing the importance of sector autonomy and the role of the Sector Board in setting standards that the whole supply chain can stand behind.

Red Tractor Director of Communications, Jo Miller also shared findings from Red Tractor’s research programme, including the Trust in Food Index 2026, the Post Assessment Survey and the Farmer Sentiment Survey. The research reinforced the need to maintain public trust while responding to farmer feedback on audit experience, standards burden and the value Red Tractor delivers.

A clear direction for standards

The Board received a detailed update from TAC Chair, Alan King and Technical Manager, Annie Rogers on the TAC’s ongoing review of the standards. This work has involved a line-by-line review of the standards, with clear justification being added to explain why each requirement exists – whether it is linked to legislation, demonstrating due diligence, delivering food safety, customer requirements, market access, external scheme benchmarking or earned recognition. In practical terms, the standards have been streamlined. This includes a significant reduction in audit points, and clearer structure across the standards, making them easier to navigate and apply in practice.

Members of the crop board welcomed the TAC’s progress and recognised the significant time being invested by its members to review the standards. There was strong support for the work that has been done to reduce unnecessary burden where possible, improving clarity for growers and assessors and ensuring the new version of the standards signals the end of ‘mission creep’.

The sector board also discussed operational changes to the scheme, including investigating the time between audits and the consideration of risk-based assessments, which were widely supported as a practical way to improve the audit experience and focus attention where it adds most value. The TAC will continue to develop this work ahead of a further Board discussion in September.

How the scheme should be structured

A substantial part of the meeting considered the structure of Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Standards and an assurance framework was proposed and agreed along the lines of the structure outlined by the recently published AHDB and NFU scope and purpose of farm assurance. TAC work will continue to establish the balance of what standards are required for what purpose.

The discussion showed broad agreement that Red Tractor must remain practical and understandable for growers, while continuing to protect market access and customer confidence. Members across the supply chain were clear that any future structure must be simple and avoid unnecessary complexity and should not create additional costs in the supply chain.

Imported grain

Ken Boyns shared an update on AHBD’s benchmarking work comparing UK farm assurance schemes with international suppliers of grain into the UK. AHDB expects to publish its work in the autumn.

The Board remains clear that evidence on import requirements is essential if farmers, customers and policy makers are to have constructive discussions about the standards expected of UK growers.

Next steps

The sector board asked the TAC to prioritise more work on standards justification, review the audit cycle and process and to clarify which standards are applicable to which crops and markets. This work will aid a discussion on a final structure to be considered at a special Sector Board meeting in September. Members also asked that relevant external stakeholders, including the FSA where appropriate, are invited to clarify where their requirements impact the standards.

Best wishes,
Julian Sturdy
Chair, Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board 

Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board members:  

Julian Sturdy – Chair 

  • Alan King – TAC Chair
  • Angela Bowden – Oilseed Crushers
  • Jamie Burrows – Cereals grower
  • Andrew Williamson – Cereals grower
  • Matthew Culley – Cereals grower
  • Julian South – MAGB
  • Patrick Milton – Pesticide Issues Consultant
  • Brin Hughes – BOBMA
  • Jonathan Lane – AIC/Grain Merchants
  • Peter Chandley – Weetabix
  • Ken Boyns – AHDB (June meeting only)
  • Nick Morris – Sugar manufacturer
  • Joe Brennan – UK Flour Millers
  • Gill Barrow – AIS/Schemes
  • Harriette Roberts – BRC
  • Robbie Dennis – NFU Sugar
  • Andrew Williamson – NFU Crops

29 Jun 2026

Poultry Sector Board Update – June 2026

Message from Nick Major, Chair of the Poultry Sector Board

Dear Members,

At our June meeting, the Poultry Sector Board welcomed our new CEO, Paul McLaughlin, at a time of continued change across the industry. As always, our discussions reflected both the scale of the challenge ahead and the strength of expertise within the room.

Sector Board members highlighted a shared priority to reduce audit burden across the supply chain, alongside the need to improve alignment in some areas with retailers and avoid unnecessary audit duplication.

Paul reinforced the strength of the poultry sector and the critical role that Red Tractor standards play in providing a robust implementation framework for the industry. He emphasised that responsibility for standards is shared across the supply chain represented in the Sector Board and set out his ambition for Red Tractor to be accepted by farmers, chosen by the market and understood by consumers. While there is a significant programme of work underway, much of this is not yet visible to producers, with benefits often only realised at the point of assessment.

Communications

The Board reviewed recent proactive communications activity across the poultry sector, including engagement at the Pig & Poultry Fair, and discussed the importance of the industry owning its story. Members also underlined the need to ensure communications fully reflect the breadth of the sector, including ducks and turkeys as well as chicken.

The Board also considered developments linked to animal welfare campaigns. Members agreed that a coordinated, cross-sector approach is required, with the industry prepared to respond if needed. Red Tractor will support in convening a group to discuss ways of working.

Standards review and technical priorities

The Board reviewed progress on the Poultry Standards review, led by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). We discussed a number of potential developments, including more outcome-based approaches to auditing, improved use of data and more valuable audit feedback to support continuous improvement. There was a strong support for improving consistency and quality of audit reporting, ensuring it reflects both good performance and areas for improvement.

Two specific areas were identified for further work. Nutrient management remains an important issue for the sector. While many producers are subject to Environmental Permitting Regulations, the sector board discussed the potential for Red Tractor to align with Environmental Permitting Regulations on nutrient management – and accept farms with valid permits as evidence of compliance – thereby reducing audit burden. The sector board agreed that more discussion was needed and asked the TAC to share proposals for non-permitted sites, as well as investigating the pros and limitations of earned recognition with permits, given the complexity of devolved IPPC audits.

In addition, the Sector Board considered the industry move to 30kg/m² stocking density, including the opportunity for Red Tractor to provide a consistent framework that supports both retailer requirements and producer flexibility.

We have agreed to begin with further data collection across the sector, develop potential approaches and review options ahead of any future implementation.

Finally, the Sector Board approved the Rustic Gold breed assessment,.

I have been able to attend all of the TAC meetings, and I have been hugely impressed with the diligence and collaborative approach taken by members. I want to thank them for their commitment to the process to date.

Our focus remains unchanged: to uphold high, credible standards that protect the reputation of British poultry, while reducing unnecessary burden and ensuring the scheme works for everyone across the supply chain.

Best wishes,
Nick Major
Chair, Poultry Sector Board 

Poultry Sector Board members:  

Nick Major – Chair 

  • Judith Irons – TAC Chair
  • Aaron McKenna – British Poultry Council
  • Clay Burrows – QBT
  • Elena O’Callaghan – Retail
  • Gavin Foster – British Poultry Council
  • Jonty Hay – NFU
  • Keith Warner – Integrator
  • Kevin Sketcher – British Poultry Council
  • Patrick Hook – NFU
  • Viv Harris – British Retail Consortium
  • Will Raw – NFU

25 Jun 2026

Farm Standards Review: Why taking the time matters

In December 2025, Red Tractor announced a full review of its farm standards, focused on reducing audit burden, streamlining assessments, and ensuring standards remain fit for the future.

The review is highly consultative, led by Sector Boards and involving representatives from across the supply chain.

Speaking on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, Red Tractor CEO Paul McLaughlin explained why this work takes time:

“When you’re working across the whole industry on a consensus basis, everyone has to agree – and that does take time. Developing standards is a bit like an iceberg – much happens beneath the surface. What’s encouraging is the number of people working through the standards line by line. It’s better to take the time and get this right than move quickly and get it wrong.”

More than 40,000 farmers and growers, accounting for 75% of UK food production, are assured to Red Tractor standards, helping them to demonstrate the integrity and provenance of their produce to customers who ask for assurance throughout their supply chain. Therefore, striking the right balance between pace and allowing time for constructive debate and thorough consultation is essential.

Representative decision-making

Sector Boards and Technical Advisory Committees are made up of representatives from across the supply chain including:

  • NFU, AHDB and farming associations
  • Processors, packers and retailers
  • Technical experts, including vets and agronomists

As the review progresses, here’s a summary of where we are now, and what will happen next.

Where we are now – developing sector-specific standards

In 2025, Sector Boards representing each of Red Tractor’s six farming sectors agreed priorities and objectives for the future of assurance, informed by the recommendations of the Farm Assurance Review. These were published in December, alongside an opportunity for all stakeholders, including farmers and growers, to provide feedback.

In February 2026, Sector Boards tasked their Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) with conducting a full, line-by-line review of all standards, ensuring that any feedback was taken into account.

This process has involved extensive discussion and debate across dozens of meetings. TAC members, most of whom volunteer their time, have committed significant effort and many days of their time to this process.

Alongside TACs, Red Tractor’s technical teams have also drawn on expertise from across the industry, including farming unions, government, regulators, retailers, certification bodies, and technical specialists.

The aim is to develop robust, practical proposals that reflect both industry priorities and on-farm realities, that everyone on the Sector Board can stand behind.

Reflecting on the process, Paul McLaughlin said:

“It’s important to emphasise that these standards are being developed by the farmers and industry representatives who sit on Sector Boards and TACs. Red Tractor’s role is to facilitate the process, but responsibility for agreeing what’s required sits with those committees, representing the full breadth of the supply chain. Reaching consensus across diverse views isn’t always easy, but there’s strong respect for different perspectives and a shared commitment to getting the balance right, overseen by the Sector Chairs.”

What happens next – agreement and consultation

Proposed updates will be reviewed by Sector Boards and then the Standards Committee, a sub-group of the main Red Tractor Board. This phase will take place over the summer, with sectors progressing at their own pace, allowing time for meaningful debate and any new evidence to be considered.

Formal consultation is planned for autumn 2026 providing stakeholders from across the supply chain with a clear opportunity to share their views on the proposed changes.

Six Sector Boards

  • Beef & Lamb
  • Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet
  • Dairy
  • Fresh Produce
  • Pigs
  • Poultry

Finishing and implementing standards

Sector Boards and TACs will reconvene in early 2027 to review consultation feedback and agree next steps.

A further alignment process will ensure consistency across sectors and avoid conflicting or duplicative requirements for producers assured for multiple sectors. TACs and Sector Boards will also consider potential operational changes, such as the frequency and scope of assessments and risk-based approaches.

Once standards and any other changes to assessments are finalised, implementation will involve developing the systems and processes needed to deliver assurance. This includes assessor training, updated guidance, and system changes across Red Tractor and certification body platforms.

Standards also need to be approved by UKAS, the UK’s accreditation body – a process expected to take around six months.

New standards are therefore likely to be published in late 2027, when on-farm implementation timelines will be confirmed.

Paul McLaughlin added:

“We recognise the time, effort and professionalism that farmers and growers put into delivering standards every day. This is why we are focused on making the scheme clearer, simpler and more practical, while protecting the trusted standards behind British food. By taking the time to consult widely and work through the detail, the review aims to deliver standards that reflect real on-farm challenges, while delivering the recognition farmers deserve well into the future.”

How we set standards
Sector Chairs and Technical Advisory Committees

19 Jun 2026

Red Tractor meets farmers at Cereals 2026

Red Tractor had a busy and upbeat two days at Cereals, the UK’s largest arable event, at Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, with lots of worthwhile conversations despite the challenging weather.

The rain may have kept coming and the ground was hard going underfoot, but that did not stop people turning up. There was a steady flow of visitors to the Red Tractor stand across both days, giving the team a valuable chance to hear what was on people’s minds and talk through the pressures and priorities facing farm businesses.

A valuable chance to get out and speak with farmers

Paul McLaughlin, CEO of Red Tractor, said: “Cereals was a really valuable chance to get out and speak directly with farmers, growers and others from right across the industry. We heard honest views, important questions and practical feedback, and that really matters. Those conversations help us understand what people need from assurance and where we need to keep improving.”

Red Tractor’s seminar on the Seed to Shelf stage, featuring Philippa Wiltshire, Director of Standards & Operations and Deputy CEO, Alistair Mackintosh, Chair and Julian Sturdy, Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Chair was another highlight. It prompted open and lively discussion on the issues that matter most to farming businesses. The session gave people the chance to ask questions, share their views and hear more about where Red Tractor assurance is heading.

A shared commitment across the industry

The fact that so many farmers still came along and took part in such difficult conditions said a great deal about the determination and commitment that runs through British agriculture. Red Tractor left Diddly Squat encouraged by the level of engagement and by the shared commitment across the industry to producing trusted, high-quality British food.

Thank you to everyone who visited the stand, joined the seminar and took the time to speak with the team. We look forward to carrying those conversations on in the months ahead.

Improving the Crops Scheme

16 Jun 2026

British consumers trust UK food more than other regulated institutions, new research finds

The 2026 Trust in Food Index reveals high and stable confidence in British food and farming, alongside a significant gap in consumer understanding of how it is produced.

UK consumers have more confidence in British food than in any other institution measured, according to Red Tractor’s 2026 Trust in Food Index, conducted by YouGov with a nationally representative sample of 3,514 UK adults.

94% say they trust UK food, a figure that has held consistently high since the Index launched in 2021 and which now leads all other institutions tested. NHS care fell from 90% to 88% since 2024; tap water from 90% to 85%; gas and electricity suppliers from 77% to 69%; local government services from 90% to 83%. Trust in UK food was the only category to increase since 2024, rising by one percentage point.

Doubts about imports and food security

Consumer confidence is, however, notably weaker when it comes to imported food. More than a third (37%) say they are not confident that imports meet UK standards, and a majority (53%) believe products that fall short of UK welfare rules should be banned. Trust in British farmers is high at 80%, but nearly half of consumers (49%) doubt whether the UK could produce enough food to sustain itself, with 18% expressing no confidence in domestic food self-sufficiency at all.

Assurance certification growing as a trust driver

When asked what makes them trust UK food, consumers pointed most consistently to three factors: freshness, UK origin labelling, and assurance certification. Of these, third-party assurance has seen the sharpest growth from 54% in 2022 to 74% in 2026.

Richard Cattell, Director of Market Development at Red Tractor, said: “Consumers want independent verification, not just claims, and they actively look for proof that standards are being met. The growth in trust for assurance certification demonstrates that shoppers are taking a more informed approach to their purchasing decisions, and Red Tractor plays a vital role in delivering that reassurance every day.”

High trust, low understanding

The research also identifies a significant tension. Despite high overall trust levels, 93% of consumers say they lack understanding in at least one aspect of food production, and 87% report experiencing confusion at the point of purchase.

Philippa Wiltshire, Deputy CEO and Director of Standards and Operations at Red Tractor, said: “Trust matters, but it is not enough on its own. If consumers are going to back British farming, they need clearer understanding of what sits behind the food they buy and the standards farmers work to deliver every day.”

What Red Tractor is doing

Red Tractor’s 2026 consumer campaign will focus on educating shoppers about food labelling and what assured standards mean in practice. The organisation is partnering with young farmers to help address common misconceptions about how British food is produced.

Jo Miller, Director of Communications and Engagement at Red Tractor, said: “This research shows that consumers genuinely value British farming and the standards behind it. But it also shows how much work remains to turn that trust into confident informed purchasing decisions. Red Tractor is committed to making that story more visible.

Paul Tompkins, NFU Deputy President, said: “Our farmers work hard and are rightly proud of their world leading production, environmental and animal welfare standards. It’s great to see the findings in this report clearly demonstrating that the British public retains a deep-rooted trust in sustainable homegrown food.

“The report also highlights a lack of confidence on standards of imported products. This is why we continue to call on government to introduce a robust system of core production standards that must be met by both domestically produced and imported food to be sold in the UK.

“While the Red Tractor logo continues to serve as a beacon of reassurance for shoppers, our farmers must also feel valued and supported by the assurance schemes that govern them. The NFU will continue to work constructively with Red Tractor, developing the Farm Assurance Review recommendations, to ensure that standards remain practical, add clear value to farming businesses and do not impose unfair bureaucratic burdens on producers.

“Maintaining public trust is absolutely vital. It requires continuous dialogue and transparency throughout the whole supply chain in order to build a resilient and thriving industry, so we can continue producing high-quality food for the nation.”

Download the Trust in Food Index 2026 Report

The Trust in Food Index is an annual YouGov study commissioned by Red Tractor and Grounded Research, surveying more than 3,500 UK adults. Now in its sixth year, it is one of the UK’s most comprehensive surveys of public attitudes to food, farming and food standards.

12 Jun 2026

Collaboration and resilience: Festival of Fresh 2026

The UK fresh produce industry came together at Festival of Fresh 2026 on 10th June, hosted by G’s at their HQ in Barway, Cambridgeshire, for a day of insight, inspiration and connection across the sector.

Founded in 1952, G’s is one of the UK’s leading fresh produce businesses and Red Tractor licensee for a selection of their salads.

Established as one of the UK’s key industry gatherings, the event brought together growers, suppliers, retailers and innovators to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of fresh produce.

A sector navigating change

Opening remarks from G’s chairman, John Shropshire and CEO Guy Shropshire, set the tone for the day, with resilience emerging as a central theme in an increasingly complex operating environment. From supply chain pressures and labour availability, to rising energy costs and regulatory change, panels discussed the sector’s challenges openly and honestly. Discussions also highlighted the growing role of collaboration between industry and government, with speakers sharing perspectives on investment, domestic production and supply chain stability.

Strengthening the standards

Red Tractor’s Fresh Produce Technical Manager, Sam Trevey, set out how the assurance scheme is evolving to meet the sector’s changing needs. A key mention was the new leafy salads add-on – introduced in response to recent industry challenges – to strengthen food safety and raise standards across the board. With a full, line-by-line review of the fresh produce standards now underway, he also emphasised the importance of industry input, with stakeholders being actively encouraged to share feedback ahead of a formal consultation later this year. An updated version of the standards is expected in 2027.

Bringing the industry together

Red Tractor’s Sam Trevey speaking at Festival of Fresh

Beyond the speaking sessions, Festival of Fresh delivered what it is best known for: bringing people together across the full supply chain, to network and share knowledge. G’s also hosted impressive tours of their baby leaf packhouse and farm, giving delegates a behind-the-scenes insight into the packing, planting and harvesting processes at their Barway site.

The day also recognised standout achievements through the Festival of Fresh Awards, celebrating innovation, sustainability and excellence across the industry.

Improving the Fresh Produce Scheme

12 Jun 2026

Supporting farmer wellbeing: Red Tractor brings sector voices together

On 4 June 2026, Red Tractor brought together experts from across farming, academia, certification and support organisations for a dedicated workshop on farmer wellbeing. The session was chaired by Mark Suthern, former chair of the Farming Community Network (FCN) and one of the commissioners of the Farm Assurance Review, and hosted by John Pain, Vice Chair of Red Tractor.

The workshop created space for a practical and constructive discussion about the relationship between assurance and farmer wellbeing, drawing on evidence, experience and ideas from a wide range of voices.

A clear message from the discussion

A clear message emerged from the day: assurance is rarely the main cause of poor wellbeing, but it can add to stress when farmers are already dealing with financial uncertainty, regulation, labour shortages, weather pressures and the wider challenge of running family businesses. For some, an assessment can become the tipping point that intensifies existing strain.

Listening to evidence, insight and experience

Participants heard research and frontline insight from organisations including FCN, RABI, Exeter University, Newcastle University and Heart of the Southwest Trading Standards. Together, they highlighted the importance of seeing farmers not simply as business operators, but as people and families managing multiple pressures at once. The discussion, which included certification bodies NSF and Intertek SAI and fellow assurance scheme owner QMS, also underlined how the language, tone and overall experience of assessments can significantly shape how assurance is perceived. 

Taking these onboard, the group discussed points in the assurance process that can create anxiety, and explored ways to alleviate them.  

Working together on next steps

There was strong support for Red Tractor to continue working closely with specialist organisations and certification bodies to ensure farmer wellbeing is properly reflected in how assurance is delivered.  

John Pain, Vice Chair of Red Tractor, said: “This workshop was an important opportunity to listen to farmers and those who work closely with them, and to better understand where assurance can add pressure when people are already under strain. What matters now is turning that insight into practical action, so we continue improving the farmer experience while maintaining confidence in the standards that underpin British food and farming. A huge thank you to everyone who took part.” 

The workshop forms part of Red Tractor’s wider programme of engagement and improvement, helping to ensure assurance is not only effective, but also better understood, better communicated and more supportive of the people at the heart of British agriculture. 

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