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