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.

Seeking support if you’re struggling with mental wellbeing

28 May 2026

From farm life to the final: Backing Abbie and the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir

The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir has captured the nation’s hearts and now they’re through to the Britain’s Got Talent final.

We’re incredibly proud that Red Tractor’s own Abbie Condon, Operations Manager for Supply Chain Assurance, is part of the choir and will be taking to the stage again this weekend. You can read Abbie’s full story about how she joined the Hawkstone Choir here.

Raising awareness of mental health in agriculture

What began as a unique way to bring people in agriculture together has grown into something much bigger. The choir represents farmers from across the UK and has become a powerful voice for the industry, not only showcasing talent but raising awareness of mental health in agriculture.

Throughout their journey, they’ve helped shine a light on the challenges many in farming face, sparking important conversations and encouraging people to seek support when they need it most.

If you missed their semi-final performance, you can catch up here.

Putting British agriculture on stage

Abbie commented: “Wow, what a crazy ride for a bunch of country folk! Whether we win or not, we feel truly privileged to have put British agriculture on the stage and shine a light on mental health in rural communities. Winning the public vote in the semi-final was such a magical feeling – thank you to everyone who voted. Please could you do it again this Saturday?”

Reaching the final is an incredible achievement, but they need our support to go one step further.

How you can help

Watch: Tune in to the Britain’s Got Talent final on ITV this Saturday 30 May from 7pm.
Vote: Register now at ITV Vote so you’re ready on the night.
Share: Encourage friends, family and colleagues to get involved and vote.

Every vote will help them continue sharing this important message – and could help secure the win. If they do win, the choir will share the £250,000 prize money with farming charities.

Let’s get behind Abbie and the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir and show the strength of the farming community.

Hear from Abbie Condon about how the Britain’s Got Talent journey began

27 May 2026

Red Tractor Board Update – May 2026

The Red Tractor Board met on Friday 22 May. This was an important meeting, marking the arrival of our new Chief Executive, Paul McLaughlin, and the final meeting for our outgoing CEO, Jim Moseley.

The Board discussed farmer perceptions of Red Tractor, progress on the standards review, work to support farmer wellbeing, and ongoing improvements to governance.

Farm Assurance Review

The Board discussed Red Tractor’s continued efforts to deliver the recommendations of the Farm Assurance Review. This programme represents a significant, collective effort by the Red Tractor team, together with members of the Sector Boards and Technical Advisory Committees.

We expect the Review’s final report, published on 26 May, to recognise both the progress made to date and our clear commitment to ongoing improvement.

NFU and AHDB representatives also noted that their joint paper on the Purpose, Scope and Value of Farm Assurance, published on 26 May, provides a helpful and independent perspective on the role of assurance in UK agriculture. Red Tractor has been consulted on this work and welcomes its contribution to the wider debate. The paper concludes that:

“Farm assurance is a shared asset for British agriculture. It underpins confidence, protects markets and supports the reputation of the sector.”

Farmer Sentiment Survey

The Board was joined by Grounded Research, who presented findings and strategic recommendations from Red Tractor’s Farmer Sentiment Survey, based on feedback from almost 2,000 members.

The strong response rate demonstrates high levels of engagement and reinforces the desire among farmers and growers to see Red Tractor deliver clear value. Overall sentiment has improved, with particularly positive feedback on operational delivery, frequency of communications and consistency of assessments.

The research also highlights where further progress is needed, including strengthening how Red Tractor champions farmers, demonstrating understanding of on-farm pressures, increasing transparency in decision-making, and continuing to reduce audit burden.

These insights provide valuable evidence to inform our priorities, many of which align closely with work already underway. Further details from the research will be shared shortly.

Standards Review

The Board received an update from Sector Chairs on progress reviewing farm standards across all sectors. Over the past three months, more than 50 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings have taken place, reviewing standards line by line. This is a huge amount of work for which we are extremely grateful to TAC members, many of whom give their time voluntarily.

Emerging proposals aim to consolidate audit requirements, reducing the number of audit points while maintaining robust, future-fit standards. This work is central to ensuring that standards remain credible and effective, while becoming clearer and more proportionate for farmers to deliver in practice.

Farmer wellbeing

Vice Chair John Pain provided an update on a cross-industry workshop convened by Red Tractor to explore the impact of farm assurance on farmers’ mental health, with the aim of identifying practical ways to reduce unnecessary stress.

The workshop, taking place in early June, will bring together representatives from farming charities, research organisations, farmers and assurance schemes. Insights from this session will help inform future improvements to how assurance is delivered.

Governance

The Board reviewed feedback from its annual appraisal process, introduced last year as part of our commitment to effective governance. Feedback has been positive overall.

We also discussed opportunities to further strengthen Board effectiveness, including bringing more external perspectives into discussions and improving connectivity across the supply chain.

Leadership transition

Finally, on behalf of the entire Board, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jim Moseley as he prepares to retire.

During his time as Chief Executive, Jim has built a high-performing team with a strong culture, strengthened the organisation’s financial position, and successfully led Red Tractor through a number of significant challenges.

Jim has made a lasting contribution to the organisation and to the wider industry. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him all the very best for the future.

Kind regards,

Alistair Macintosh, Red Tractor Chair

Red Tractor Board members:

Alistair Macintosh – Chair
John Pain – Vice Chair
Paul Tompkins – Industry Director, Farmers Union
Will Jackson – Industry Director, AHDB (covered for by Ken Boyns, and accompanied by Helen Herniman)
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 – incoming Chief Executive
Jim Moseley – outgoing Chief Executive

Red Tractor progress acknowledged in latest Farm Assurance Review report

26 May 2026

Red Tractor progress acknowledged in commissioner’s report on the Farm Assurance Review

Red Tractor has welcomed the commissioner’s latest Farm Assurance Review (FAR) report, which describes progress within Red Tractor’s action plan as ‘welcome’ and recognises the organisation’s ongoing commitment to change.

Over the past 14 months, Red Tractor has introduced changes and improved technology to reduce audit burden, begun a comprehensive reset of standards across all sectors and overhauled how it communicates with farmers.

This work has taken place alongside running the largest consumer marketing and PR campaign in the organisation’s 25-year history championing the role of British food and farming.

A long-term commitment to more transparency

Alistair Mackintosh, Chair of Red Tractor says: “Our response to the FAR is part of a long-term commitment to ensuring Red Tractor embeds a more transparent approach, particularly for farmers who must feel represented, listened to and informed.

“We want to restore a sense of pride in British farming standards,” he adds.

“Our aim is to deliver a cost-effective scheme that is trusted and valued by farmers, growers, the supply chain, buyers and consumers.”

Improvements so far

Some of the improvements made to date include a new website with more information for farmers, improved opportunities for farmers to share feedback, the introduction of greater collaboration with other assurance schemes to reduce the need for multiple audits, and new sector-specific modules for pigs and fresh produce.

The organisation has also invested in its Member Portal, improving functionality, alongside integration with third-party farm management software to streamline audit preparation. Alongside this, Red Tractor has strengthened engagement with Certification Bodies to help improve assessor training, consistency and the overall experience of on-farm audits for farmers.

Importantly, Red Tractor has reviewed and renewed core policies, which ensure fair, effective representation of farmers within decision-making via representatives on its Board, Sector Boards and Technical Advisory Committees. These representatives are now undertaking a full, line by line review of farm standards and audit points, with considerable progress made in the last two months.

Progress has been acknowledged in recent survey data. Of the 2,000 farmer members who responded to Red Tractor’s post assessment survey in 2025, 64% rated the transparency of the organisation as ‘good or excellent’, with a further 22% rating it as ‘fair’. When it comes to audit efficiency, 63% rated Red Tractor as ‘good or excellent’ and a further 25% rated it as ‘fair’.

Sophie Throup, NFU Director General, says: “I welcome the continued commitment from Red Tractor to listen to farmers and make meaningful change.

“The Farm Assurance Review gave a clear steer that assurance needed to result in assurance schemes that worked for both the producer and the consumer, as well as being simple to administer and deliver at farm level.

“It’s important that farmers have a strong voice in assurance with a clear and transparent decision-making process which benefits all. I welcome the progress and positive changes made to date.”

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, Red Tractor will consult with farmers, growers and stakeholders on proposed new standards in autumn 2026 and remains committed to delivering the recommendations of the FAR beyond this final report, explains Mr Mackintosh.

“There is more to do,” he says. “We are ambitious about working more closely with Government to make sure farmer’s concerns are heard.

“We will also continue to listen and work collaboratively with farmers, the wider supply chain, particularly with AHDB to support better understanding of crop import standards.”

“Last year, we attended more than 50 events and spoke to over 1,000 members. This year we hope to do the same,” Mr Mackintosh adds.

Over the summer, the organisation will continue to expand its face-to-face engagement with farmers, attending key agricultural events and introducing Red Tractor’s new CEO, Paul McLaughlin, to members. Mr McLaughlin has already met with industry stakeholders at the Balmoral Show and the Pig & Poultry Fair, and will be attending farmer-facing meetings over the summer including at Beef Expo, Cereals, The Sheep Event and at the Royal Highland Show.

Mr McLaughlin commented: “These events are an invaluable opportunity for me and the wider team to listen and gather feedback. I hope to see many scheme members come along and take the chance to meet with us and continue to engage with this progress.”

Emily Norton, AHDB Chair says: “The Farm Assurance Review is helping underpin the critical role farm assurance plays in our industry. In relation to Red Tractor, we are working closely with the other owners to support the ongoing changes within the scheme. We look forward to continuing the conversations with industry partners on the future of assurance and commit to working collaboratively with the industry to support the Review on behalf of our levy payers.”

A summary of all improvements made to date is available on the Red Tractor website.

Red Tractor’s response to the Farm Assurance Review

21 May 2026

Singing for something bigger: From farm life to Britain’s Got Talent

Last weekend, the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir took to the Britain’s Got Talent semi-final stage and won, progressing to the final this weekend. We couldn’t be prouder that Red Tractor’s Operations Manager for Supply Chain Assurance, Abbie Condon, is among them. We’re cheering for her all the way!

Ahead of the final, we sat down with Abbie to find out how the journey began.

Where did your journey with the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir begin?

Back in April 2025, I came across a social media advert asking for people that work in agriculture and could sing or at least hold a tune! They were looking to record some adverts for beer but at that point we didn’t know it was for Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand. I was going through a bit of a rough patch for various reasons and thought “what the heck, I’ll apply” so I sent off my audition tape and found myself as one of the lucky 39 to be chosen. We were invited to Jeremy’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, to do some filming and we all hit it off instantly. I was totally out of my comfort zone singing in front of people, but it was the perfect distraction and has continued to bring me joy!

How have you found yourselves on Britain’s Got Talent?

We recorded the initial set of rather sweary(!) beer adverts and then did some Christmas adverts which all went down rather well. The next thing we know, our musical director, Simon Gwilliam, and choir director, Lizzie Deane are in talks with Britain’s Got Talent! The choir age ranges from 27 to 74 and we’re from across the UK – from down in Dorset, to my county of Oxfordshire where Jeremy farms, to Wales and all the way up to Northumberland, so we don’t get together to rehearse very often. But when we do, it’s like you’ve taken a bunch of grown-ups on a school trip!

The audition day was back in October. It was a very long day with lots of waiting around but the audience’s incredible reaction to our rendition of Elbow’s One Day Like This, and then Amanda Holden’s golden buzzer was a truly unbelievable moment that I will remember for life.

We had to keep it all a secret until the audition was aired six months later in March of this year, but we then got to experience the nations reaction as well which has just blown us all away! We really seem to have resonated with so many people, especially our fellow farming folk. It’s been really humbling to know the effect we’ve had on people.

What impact do you hope the choir can have beyond the stage?

It became clear pretty quickly that it wasn’t just British agriculture we’re all passionate about, but mental health in agriculture as well. Sadly, we had all known someone in the industry who had struggled with poor mental health or had struggled with things ourselves and could see how uplifting performing in the choir was. We wanted to spread that word and try and make a difference!

Every week three people in agriculture take their life. That is three people too many. I’ve worked in agriculture for over 10 years and have spoken to many a strong, burley farmer who has been struggling on without getting help. Farming can be an isolating and high-pressure industry, where long hours, financial uncertainty and stigma around speaking up mean mental health often goes unseen and unsupported.

Admitting you are struggling and asking for help with your mental health is seen as a taboo subject and it shouldn’t be, there are specific charities out there that understand what farmers go through and are there to help.

We want to shine a light on mental health in agriculture and make it an acceptable thing to talk about. If we are lucky enough to win BGT then we will be making donations to a very worthy selection of mental health charities who are there for our Great British Farmers.

How can viewers get behind you in the final?

We need your votes!

We are so excited to be performing in the final of BGT. Lizzie, our choir director, and Simon, our musical director has put together another brilliant song for you all and hopefully we will touch as many hearts with this song as we did with our first song.

To vote, you need to register your mobile number on ITV Vote ahead of time, so you’re ready to vote after all the acts have performed.

Please remember to tune in on Saturday night, as we’ll need your votes so we can bag that all important prize money and really make a difference to mental health in agriculture.

What’s next for the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir?

Abbie Condon with Britain’s Got Talent presenter, Dec

The world is our oyster! We want to continue banging the drum for British agriculture and raising awareness for mental health. We have a few irons in the fire, so follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to hear what exciting projects we have coming up.

Find out more about voting on the Britain’s Got Talent website

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