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.