Red Tractor is constantly seeking ways to reduce audit burden for farmers and producers, while maintaining the robust standards consumers expect. A key part of this work is seeking new opportunities for joint assessments where possible. Joint assessments offer a practical way to minimise disruption on farm, reduce duplication and make better use of audit time.
Working in tandem
The 2025 Farm Assurance Review recommended that assurance schemes should “work in tandem,” allowing audits to be carried out simultaneously wherever possible. This is an approach Red Tractor has long supported.
There are no Red Tractor rules that prevent joint assessments, this flexibility enables Certification Bodies (CBs), such as NSF or Intertek SAI, to align audits across different assurance schemes and assessments, where it makes sense to do so.
To understand how joint assessments work in practice, Red Tractor has reviewed data provided by Certification Bodies that deliver Red Tractor audits. Some sectors are already seeing a strong uptake of joint assessments whilst others face structural or logistical challenges to greater adoption.
Fresh produce leading the way
The fresh produce sector is a clear example of how joint assessments with other assurance schemes can work well. In 2025, over 46% of Red Tractor fresh produce growers are also LEAF certified and over 95% had a single assessment covering both schemes, allowing for a more joined-up approach. In addition, Red Tractor’s benchmarked status with Global G.A.P. allows producers who are members of both schemes to avoid duplicate audits altogether. This reduces cost, limits disruption and ensures consistency in how evidence is gathered, all while maintaining internationally recognised standards.
Reducing duplication in dairy
In the dairy sector, Red Tractor works collaboratively with the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG), delivering aligned and jointly scheduled assessments for dairy producers supplying Tesco. Where possible, evidence gathered during a single visit can be used to meet both Red Tractor and TSDG requirements.
This approach reduces audit fatigue, minimises disruption on farm. It also shows how retailer specific schemes can work effectively alongside core assurance standards.
Where there’s room to improve
Joint assessments also present opportunities across other sectors, although challenges remain. For example:
- In pigs and poultry, Red Tractor audits can be combined with IPPC environmental permitting inspections, but take-up is currently unclear.
- In dairy and beef, better alignment is possible, particularly in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but Certification Body choice is often dictated by first purchasers, limiting flexibility for some members.
In 2025, we reviewed common audit combinations to identify where joint assessments are working well, where improvements could be made, and where there are unavoidable barriers, such as biosecurity risks or differing audit cycles. We also conducted research within the fresh produce sector to better understand drivers for perceptions of audit burden amongst growers.
Looking ahead
Reducing audit burden isn’t just about convenience, it’s about building a more efficient, resilient and responsible assurance system that works for different types of farmers and growers.
By continuing to analyse audit data, work closely with Certification Bodies and helping members to understand their options, such as aligning schemes where appropriate, we’re prioritising smarter, more integrated assurance.
Our work so far shows what’s possible. The focus now is on extending those benefits across more sectors, ensuring every audit adds real value, not just paperwork.
If you’d like advice on options for joint assessments, please reach out to Red Tractor Member Help or your Certification Body who will be able to explain any opportunities for joint assessments that they can offer.