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.