31 Mar 2026

Red Tractor sharpens food safety focus

This article originally appeared in Fresh Produce Journal, March 2026

Red Tractor’s Fresh Produce assurance standards cover all fruit and vegetable crops and a wide range of production systems, ranging from low-risk vegetables that are usually cooked, such as potatoes, to higher-risk crops which can be eaten raw, such as leafy salads.

To ensure the standards remain relevant, fit-for-purpose and proportionate to risk, a full review is underway with an updated set of standards anticipated to be in place by spring 2027.

Sam Trevey, Fresh Produce Technical Manager at Red Tractor, says every single standard and audit point is being looked at to ensure it meets the needs of the full supply chain, with a key focus on food safety.

“The standards need to take into account the different risk categories within the sector,” he explains. “While it’s important the higher-risk crops, like salads, have more robust food safety standards, we don’t want to overburden those growing lower-risk crops, like potatoes, with the same standards.

“Equally, the sector and its needs aren’t static either – everything evolved and we need to be aware of shifting cultural norms and farming practices.”

Veryan Bliss, who was appointed Fresh Produce Sector Chair at Red Tractor in December 2025, says the review will be overseen by both the Fresh Produce Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the main Sector Board – before being signed off by the overarching Red Tractor Board of Directors.

Bliss adds: “We’re very lucky that there’s such a significant depth and breadth of knowledge on the TAC and Sector Boards with representatives from producers through to retailers.

“The TAC review and advise on the standards to ensure they’re relevant and practical, while horizon scanning to see what we need to include or adapt in line with developments in the sector while the Board reviews the appropriateness following guidance from the TAC.”

Barbara Bray MBE (pictured at the top) is the TAC Chair for Fresh Produce at Red Tractor. She says that in addition to a full review of the standards, a new working group has been set up to strengthen the standards governing leafy salads.

Bray, who leads the group, explains: “The British Leafy Salads Association and Chilled Foods Association came to us and requested we develop a module for leafy salads growers to strengthen food safety, which we’re planning to pilot in the next year.

“It follows an outbreak of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in 2024 linked to supermarket sandwiches. Although it wasn’t possible to identify the exact source, from an industry point of view, it highlights why it’s prudent to make sure strong standards are in place for food safety from the field and throughout the whole production process, so the industry isn’t left in the firing line.”

She says the shared ambition for the new leafy salads module is to bring the standard for food safety on farm to the same level across the board; demonstrate robust, trusted standards to consumers; and reduce the need for multiple, individual customer audits.

Improving the Fresh Produce Scheme

24 Mar 2026

From Red Tractor audits to Britain’s Got Talent

For Abbie Condon, a typical day usually involves the meticulous world of Red Tractor farm assurance and supply chain traceability. Recently, Red Tractor’s Operations Manager has traded her laptop screen for the glittering stage of the Birmingham Hippodrome, securing a Golden Buzzer on the 19th series of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT).

A major step outside of the comfort zone

As a member of the Hawkstone Farmers Choir, Abbie was part of the moving performance of “One Day Like This” that sent the group straight to the live semi-finals. Abbie, who lives just minutes from Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, has a unique link to the project – she used to organise Jeremy’s own farm audits.

Red Tractor’s Abbie Condon and her dog on farm.

Abbie has worked in farm assurance for ten years. Her role involves coordinating traceability audits to ensure that products carrying the Red Tractor logo can be traced back to assured British farms, ensuring food is safe, traceable and farmed with care.

Abbie admits that singing in front of people was a major step outside of her comfort zone. “I love music and singing although don’t normally sing in front of people – I’m all about the car-karaoke” she laughed.

Bringing together the farming community

Beyond the entertainment, the choir serves as a vital outlet for its members. Abbie joined the group during a difficult time in 2025, finding that the community of like-minded agricultural professionals provided a significant boost to her mental health. The Hawkstone Farmers Choir brings together people from across the UK farming community who share a connection to agriculture and a love of singing, and for Abbie, it is a chance to “fly the flag” for the industry she has supported for a decade.

“I had a bit of a tough time in spring 2025…I saw the Facebook post and thought what a great way to distract me from what’s going on – and it certainly has!” Abbie explains. “It is such a privilege to be able to project British agriculture into the face of the nation that wouldn’t necessarily see us, and be able to tell our story.”

A vital support network

While the BGT success has been a whirlwind, the choir’s core mission remains raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention within the agricultural sector. The group, which originally formed for a project with Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand, serves as a vital support network for those facing the isolation and pressures of rural life.

Abbie and the Hawkstone Farmers Choir are now preparing for the live semi-finals and a series of new projects throughout 2026.

Find out more about our traceability programme

23 Mar 2026

Clarkson is right – standards matter

Jeremy Clarkson has used his Sunday Times column to call out apparent double standards in public sector food procurement.

Writing about the use of imported chicken in school meals, he described it as ‘staggering’ that food produced overseas can undercut locally produced British chicken.

Look for the logo to ensure produce has come from a British farm

He urged consumers wanting to buy British to look for the Red Tractor logo to ensure produce has come from a British farm and in doing so, highlighted the ‘lengths farmers go to, to produce high UK standards’, while competing with imports produced to very different ones.

He acknowledged that while meeting assurance requirements can feel demanding at times, it results in farms that are ‘clean, efficient and well-run, with animals properly cared for’.

Giving consumers confidence

Responding, Jim Moseley, CEO of Red Tractor, said: “Producing food to high standards doesn’t come without effort, but it’s something British farmers should be proud of. That commitment is what underpins the reputation of British food.

“Red Tractor exists to make that work visible. It gives consumers confidence that the food they’re buying is safe, traceable and responsibly produced here in the UK.

“It’s encouraging to see that recognition reflected in Clarkson’s comments. When he tells shoppers to ‘look for the little Red Tractor’, it reinforces the trust that consumers already place in British food and the standards behind it.

“Most importantly, it recognises the people behind it – British farmers.”

The importance of backing farmers who deliver high standards

Red Tractor is the UK’s largest food assurance scheme, with more than 40,000 farmers committed to producing food to rigorous standards covering animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental protection.

Clarkson’s comments reflect a growing understanding of how food is produced – and the importance of backing farmers who deliver high standards every day.

Mr Moseley adds: “I genuinely hope farmers take pride in this recognition – because it is truly deserved.”

Find out more about our standards

20 Mar 2026

A day in the life of a Red Tractor farm assessor

This article was first published in British Dairying in March 2026.

Farm Assurance Assessor Jim Franklin explains how he carries out Red Tractor assessments and supports farmers in the process.

Having spent 30 years milking a herd of 150 Holstein Friesian cows, calving all year round, there’s no place I’d rather be than out on the farm, working with farmers. After leaving dairy farming, I was unsure what to do next, but my role as a Red Tractor assessor has allowed me to stay connected and support farmers in the sector. It’s opened my eyes to the different systems and innovative practices being used across the agricultural industry.

I typically visit one site a day to give farmers a good amount of time, and to ensure I don’t rush the process. This also means that every day offers something different, which I thoroughly enjoy. I travel the Scottish Borders, across Wales, down to Oxford and to Somerset, meeting farmers from dairy, beef, lamb, and arable sectors. They’re all working hard to produce high-quality British food in their own way – because of who they are, where they are and what they’re trying to achieve on their farm.

My preparation starts well before I set foot on a farm. About three weeks before each assessment, I will ring the farm to confirm the booking and details. During this call, I also check if they’re using the Red Tractor portal, which offers a great way to help prepare for an assessment. It’s not a requirement, but if they’re using the portal, I check they’re aware of its features and ask farmers to make sure their documents are uploaded 48 hours in advance of my visit to their farm.

It’s important to establish a positive relationship with farmers

This ensures I have time to review everything before I arrive. On the day of the assessment, I make sure I have the farm details ready, and all the essentials packed – a fully charged laptop, checklist, the Red Tractor standards, pen and paper, a clean pair of wellies and waterproofs.

When I arrive on the farm, the first step is to introduce myself to the farmer and explain exactly what I’m there to carry out, and the order for the next two to three hours. It’s important to establish a positive relationship with the farmers I assess.

I know they take pride in what they do, so I listen and reassure them that my role isn’t to catch anyone out. My job is to record the high standards they’re working to through consistent protocols, and a fair and open dialogue.

Understanding requirements

I am there to learn about how they farm, to share knowledge, and to aid their understanding of what the requirements of the standards are, which, when delivered with politeness, honesty, and a willingness to listen, is received positively. By the time I’m suited up, I have a good idea of how the farm is run and its layout, and the farmer knows what I’m there to look for.

I then start the walk around the farm, generally going from clean to dirty, beginning in the parlour, then moving to the cows, medicine cabinets, calf rearing, and so on. Next, we undertake a couple of audit trails – usually over a cup of tea – which involve reviewing the necessary paperwork and documentation used to capture objective evidence within the requirements of the standard.

During this closing meeting, I provide a summary of what we’ve seen and any non-conformances that need addressing. This is the time to answer any final questions and try to support the farmer as much as possible.

Even with my background in dairy farming, as a self-employed farm assurance assessor, I know that I need to keep learning to stay current. I’m regularly assessed to ensure that my knowledge is up-to-date.

Every five years I undergo animal welfare training with AssureWel and partake in annual mobility scoring exams with the Register of Mobility Scorers (RoMS). In addition, I have a witnessed assessment every two years, where a senior assessor accompanies me on farm to observe my work.

I also use the Red Tractor Online Academy and participate in webinars to make sure I’m aware of any changes in standards and protocols across the dairy, beef, lamb and crop sectors. My experience as a dairy farmer has proved to be one of the biggest assets in my role, particularly as one of the main misconceptions about assessors is that they don’t have the agricultural knowledge and experience.

Empathy with farmers

On top of my knowledge, 30 years in farming has allowed me to emphasise with the farmers I meet. I know what it’s like to feel nervous about an assessment, and to be on the other side of the table, having been through the same process myself. But I believe this experience makes me better at what I do.

On most occasions, I know the mindset I’m walking into, and the challenges farmers are facing, meaning I can approach each assessment with an understanding that every farm is unique. I’m proud to still be part of the industry I’ve always cared about, and if I can help farmers feel supported, confident and recognised for the standards they work hard to achieve, then I know I’m doing my job well.

Discover more about assessors

13 Mar 2026

Red Tractor appoints new Chief Executive

Paul McLaughlin has been appointed Chief Executive of Red Tractor, the UK’s largest food and farm assurance scheme.

Paul McLaughlin has a distinguished career spanning food, farming and assurance. He started out in food manufacturing, working with Mars and The Coca-Cola Company before becoming the inaugural Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink where he brought together producers, processors and retailers. As Managing Director of fresh produce business, Scotty Brand, he oversaw the supply of a wide range of products including potatoes, carrots, fruit and meat to the UK’s major grocery retailers. He has also held leadership roles at the Building Engineering Services Association and most recently at the Rail Safety & Standards Board where he led the transformation of a major assurance scheme.

A scheme that works hard for farmers and growers

Talking about his appointment, Paul McLaughlin said: “British farming is the backbone of our food system, and the farmers and growers who meet the Red Tractor standard deserve a scheme that works as hard for them as they work for us. I want Red Tractor to be something that farmers can be genuinely proud of and that retailers and consumers trust completely. I’ll be doing a lot of listening first, and then getting to work.”

Alistair Macintosh, Chair of Red Tractor said: “Paul brings a unique blend of experience working within food, assurance and multistakeholder organisations. He really impressed the interview panel with his considered and strategic approach to leadership and demonstrated the dynamism needed to drive continued improvement at Red Tractor. I very much look forward to welcoming him to the Red Tractor team.”

Joining Red Tractor at a pivotal time

Paul’s appointment follows a comprehensive, open recruitment process and was ratified by Red Tractor’s Board of Directors on 13 March 2026. He joins Red Tractor at a pivotal time for the organisation as it continues to review its standards and deliver its vision to be the pride of British food and farming.

Paul will take up the role on 5 May, enabling him to work alongside Red Tractor’s outgoing CEO, Jim Moseley, before Jim retires at the end of May.

Paul will join Red Tractor’s Board of Directors, working alongside industry, sector and independent directors representing the full breadth of UK food and farming.

Following the recent NFU elections, Paul Tompkins, NFU Deputy President has also joined the Board to represent the farming unions. He replaces outgoing director, David Exwood.

Read Paul McLaughlin’s answers to questions about what bought him to the role at Red Tractor

13 Mar 2026

Crops standards review “is about more than just reducing bureaucracy”

By Julian Sturdy, Red Tractor Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Sector Chair.

Farmers and growers are no strangers to change. Whether driven by market demands or consumer expectations, the pressure to adapt is constant. Following last year’s farm assurance review (FAR) and Red Tractor’s announcement on a review of its standards, the industry is at a critical point – one that will determine how the scheme evolves to meet the demands of the farming sectors.

Standards that reflect unique needs and challenges

Growers have made it clear that the current system, with its overlapping standards and audit duplication, can feel more burdensome than beneficial. This review will look to streamline the assessment process, ensuring that each subsector – including crops and sugar beet – has standards that reflect its unique needs and challenges.

At the same time, the supply chain has shown a willingness to take a pragmatic approach, recognising growers’ concerns and the demand for an assurance scheme that works both on farm and for the end market.

Justified, necessary and fit for purpose

As a farmer and Chair of the Crops Sector Board, I’m actively facilitating these discussions across the supply chain to achieve consensus on the way forward. Both, the Sector Board and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) bring together a wide range of voices, with strong grower and NFU representation to ensure concerns are fully considered throughout the sector.

In the coming months, we’ll review each standard, line by line, to ensure that’s it’s justified, necessary and fit for purpose. If it isn’t, we won’t include it. As part of this work, we’re considering whether more tailored standards that recognise the diversity within our sector are appropriate. This structure could also help to address concerns regarding imports produced to lower standards, undercutting Red Tractor assured cereals, particularly in feed.

Alongside the standards themselves, the assessment model is also under scrutiny. We continue to discuss whether lower risk farms with a strong compliance record could have less frequent audits, submitting evidence of compliance in-between via the portal.

Fit for the future

I want to stress that engagement remains central to this process. Revised standards are expected to go out for formal consultation in the autumn when growers will have another opportunity to the shape the outcome.

This review is about more than just reducing bureaucracy; it’s about ensuring that the Red Tractor scheme remains fit for the future. My hope is that the end result is a system that supports the future of British agriculture while ensuring that our products continue to meet the expectations of consumers and industry alike.

This article was originally published in CPM Magazine in March 2026.

Find out more about Crops standards

02 Mar 2026

Support for farming communities in Northern Ireland

Red Tractor is proud to promote Rural Support NI’s campaign to raise funds to support farmers and their families in Northern Ireland.

A lifeline for those in need

The one-day fundraising challenge, ‘Spring Forward Give Back’ takes place on 7 March. The charity is hoping at least 100 people or businesses will raise £1,000 each on the day. The collective target of £100,000 will enable Rural Support to support those in the farming industry at a time of growing pressure and uncertainty.

Demand for Rural Support’s services continue to grow rapidly. All funds raised will go towards helping provide practical, financial and emotional support, which will act as a vital lifeline for those in need.

A real and lasting difference

Alistair Mackintosh, Chair of Red Tractor, says: “We’re pleased to stand with the farming community in Northern Ireland. The funds raised by Rural Support NI will make a real and lasting difference to those facing financial stress, emotional pressure and uncertainty. It’s a fantastic initiative and Red Tractor encourages local people and businesses to get involved.”

There are many ways to get involved, from taking on a personal challenge or rallying friends and family to raise funds in the lead-up to 7 March.

Access support from farming charities across the UK:

Farming Community Network (FCN) – Pastoral and practical support, helpline 7am-11pm every day. t: 03000 111 999
YANA Project – Confidential mental health support and counselling funding in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Worcestershire. t: 0300 323 0400
DPJ Foundation – Welsh mental health charity to support those in agriculture with mental health problems. t: 0800 587 4262
RABI – Financial support for farming families facing hardship. t: 0800 188 4444
Addington Fund – Housing and hardship grants for farming families in England and Wales. t: 01926 620135
RSABI (Scotland) – Practical, financial, and emotional support for those in Scottish agriculture. t: 0808 1234 555
Rural Support (NI) – Provides impartial support and guidance for the farming community in Northern Ireland. t: 0800 138 1678

Support the NI farming community

02 Mar 2026

Broiler growers invited to support new research on AI technology and farm assurance

Red Tractor is pleased to highlight an honours research project being conducted by a final-year Veterinary Bioscience student at Harper Adams University, exploring how emerging technologies could support the future of farm assurance. The research will inform the upcoming review of the Red Tractor Poultry Standards and the scheme’s approach to how new technologies may support farm assurance in future.

AI technology to support auditors

Daisy Cooper’s dissertation aims to understand how broiler farmers feel about current audit processes, as well as their views on using artificial intelligence (AI) camera systems to complement assurance audits. The project focuses specifically on how data from AI technologies could support auditors – not replace them – to provide continuous, objective insights. Daisy spent her Harper Adams placement year working with the Red Tractor Standards Team.

To gather real-world perspectives, Daisy is inviting UK broiler farmers and anyone working with broiler chickens (aged 18+) to complete a short, anonymous survey. The questionnaire takes around 10 minutes and offers producers the chance to share honest feedback on farm audits, technology use, and any concerns or opportunities they see.

Your chance to share feedback on innovative tools

This research is highly relevant as the sector considers how innovative tools could ease audit pressures, strengthen evidence gathering, and support both farmers and assurance bodies. Input from broiler producers will help ensure any future developments remain practical, farmer-focused and grounded in real on-farm experience.

The survey will remain open until the end of March 2026. Click here to take part.

By taking part in the survey, producers will be contributing directly to work that may help shape industry discussions and future assurance practices, and feed into the upcoming review of the Red Tractor Poultry Standards.

For further information, Daisy can be contacted at: 22005700@live.harper.ac.uk

26 Feb 2026

Support for building farming’s resilience at NFU Conference

Five of Red Tractor’s sector chairs were pleased to meet farmers and growers at the NFU Conference in Birmingham this week. The theme of the conference was building farming’s resilience, with discussions on food security, trade, government strategy, and supply chain resilience.

How assurance can better support farmers and growers

For Red Tractor, this event provided an important opportunity to hear directly from farmers and growers about how assurance can better support them. Conversations covered practical issues, such as assessment consistency, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, recognising good practice, and ensuring standards remain both robust and proportionate.

The conference also reaffirmed the role that credible, independent standards for British food play in securing markets, building trust and responding to growing demand for homegrown healthy food.

Modernise assurance while keeping farmers at its core

Alistair Mackintosh, Chair of Red Tractor said: “The NFU Conference is a really valuable opportunity to connect with the farming industry and understand current and future challenges. Reoccurring themes of trade resilience, standards, pollution prevention and digital innovation, closely align with Red Tractor’s ongoing work to modernise assurance while keeping farmers at its core.

“The insight, challenges and constructive feedback we received will help inform the next phase of Red Tractor’s development as we work to deliver an assurance scheme that is trusted, fair and fit for the future of UK farming.”

19 Feb 2026

Red Tractor launches new portal features to ease audit burden for farmers

Red Tractor has introduced three major improvements to its member portal, designed to reduce assessment preparation time, stress and paperwork burden for farmers and growers.

The updates allow members to take live, geo-stamped photos directly within the portal as compliance evidence, using their mobile phone.

Instead of manually recording tasks on paper, like cleaning the grain store or changing milk liners, the portal automatically captures location, date and time data, creating an instant record and demonstrating due diligence.

Making the portal work around how farms actually operate

Philippa Wiltshire, Director of Standards and Operations at Red Tractor says: “This addresses a genuine frustration farmers and growers have shared, which is maintaining paper records for routine tasks that could be evidenced far more efficiently.

“This is about making the portal work around how farms actually operate.”

Further improvements include a new shortlist function which flags ‘high impact’ documents for uploading prior to assessments, plus embedded links to third-party templates, such as Yellow Wellies’ health and safety resources.

Preparation time where it matters most

Mrs Wiltshire added: “To help reduce the time spent preparing for audits, we’ve worked with the certification bodies to identify which documents will have the biggest impact on a farmer’s physical assessment. These can be seen on the portal using a simple toggle button.”

Importantly, these changes will not affect access to farm data either by Red Tractor or the portal developer Map of Ag, Mrs Wiltshire assures.

“Farmers and growers’ control of data is crucial and remains at the forefront of any enhancements we make to the system.

“In addition, individuals retain full choice over whether and how they use these features.”

Integrating standards compliance into systems farmers already use

Beyond its own portal, Red Tractor is working with third-party software providers to integrate standards compliance into systems farmers already use.

New crops checklists developed with MeritAgCheck are due to launch imminently, and discussions are underway with other providers across the sectors, including Lely in dairy.

Jon Stewart, Director at MeritAgCheck says: “Having the Red Tractor requirements built directly into MeritAgCheck means farmers can capture the information once and use it for multiple purposes, including their farm assurance. The integration makes the process much smoother for our customers and ensures they stay audit-ready without extra admin, saving them time that they can re-invest into other activities.”

Mrs Wiltshire adds: “We want to work with any company whose reporting could overlap with what’s required for Red Tractor assessments. If we can reduce duplication by working with software already in use, then that’s progress too.”

These latest updates form part of a wide range of improvements Red Tractor is implementing in response to the Farm Assurance Review – from reducing audit burden, to communications and engagement and the use of practical digital tools.

Guidance on using the new portal features, including ‘how to’ videos can be found here.

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