14 Aug 2026

Supporting farmers through the challenges of Bluetongue

Bluetongue continues to present significant challenges for livestock farmers, with cases reported across the country and the impact being felt particularly strongly across the ruminant sector.

At Red Tractor, we recognise that the effects of Bluetongue go well beyond the immediate animal health concerns. Farmers are dealing with difficult decisions, disruption to normal routines and, in some cases, significant losses. The pressure this creates can also have a real impact on farmer wellbeing and morale.

A compassionate approach

As the UK’s leading food assurance scheme, Red Tractor has an important role in maintaining standards. But we also recognise the circumstances in which farmers are working, including the challenges and pressures Bluetongue can create.

Bluetongue may make it more difficult for farmers to demonstrate some elements of compliance at the point of assessment. For example, fallen stock collections may not be taking place as frequently as usual, livestock may be recumbent, or normal management plans may need to change because of vaccination, animal handling or disease control requirements.

Where issues are identified, it is important that these circumstances are understood and considered. Farmers should not feel that they are facing these challenges alone, or that circumstances outside their control are being overlooked.

Taking a compassionate approach means understanding the circumstances behind what assessors see on farm and recognising the additional pressures farmers are facing, while continuing with assessments as normal.

Supporting farmers through a difficult time

Our technical team is continuing to engage with industry representatives to monitor the situation as it develops. We will provide further updates where there is information that members need to know.

We also want to remind farmers that support is available if the pressure is becoming difficult to manage. Looking after yourself and talking to someone is just as important as looking after the animals and the farm. Organisations like FCN and RABI are there to help.

Useful information and support:

AHDB: Bluetongue FAQs – information for farmers and the wider ruminant sector.
National Sheep Association – NSA and SVS guidance on Bluetongue
Red Tractor: Where to find farming support – information on organisations and services available to support farmers.

Red Tractor will continue to listen, work with industry and keep the situation under review. We know this is a difficult time for many farmers, and we want our approach to reflect both the importance of maintaining standards and the reality of what is happening on farm.

Support for farmers

14 Aug 2026

Love British Food and Red Tractor join forces to champion British food and farming

Love British Food has welcomed Red Tractor as its Lead Assurance Partner for 2026, bringing the two organisations together to champion British food and strengthen demand for assured British produce within the foodservice, retail and public sector.

A strong case for sourcing British food

The announcement comes as Love British Food marks its 25th anniversary and responds to a clear message from farmers of the important role Red Tractor plays in helping to champion the value of British food and farming.

By connecting the influence of both organisations, the partnership aims to make a stronger case for sourcing British food across the supply chain.

For consumers, this collaboration seeks to improve understanding of the rigorous standards and provenance behind assured British food. For buyers, caterers and retailers, it aims to support informed sourcing decisions.

Amplify support for British food and farming

Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, said: “British farm businesses need wider industry ambition to translate into meaningful commercial action.

“This partnership brings together the reach of both organisations across food production, foodservice, retail and consumers to amplify support for British food and farming. Linking Love British Food and Red Tractor has to make sense for British food and farming.

“We are stronger working together. Aligning our activities will make the case for British sourcing more effectively and encourage that commitment to be reflected in menu and purchasing decisions and tender specifications. Working with Red Tractor gives us the opportunity to connect the promotion of British food with the independently assured standards that underpin it, helping buyers source with confidence.”

Growing consumer understanding

Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Red Tractor, said “British farmers, growers and processors work hard every day to produce food to high standards, and they deserve to see that recognised throughout the supply chain.

“With every major retailer and many food service companies in the UK already specifying Red Tractor assurance in their sourcing policies, and the logo recognised by three quarters of UK consumers, we want to do more to grow consumer understanding of the logo while creating new opportunities for assured businesses throughout the supply chain.

“This partnership is a great opportunity to amplify support for British food and farming.”

This partnership will also strengthen activity in the build-up to British Food Fortnight, which runs from 26 September – 11 October 2026, with both organisations using their combined networks to encourage more farmers, growers, producers and caterers to take part and showcase the breadth and value of British food.

Whole Supply Chain Assurance

13 Aug 2026

Show your support for British farming

We know how important it is for farmers to have the opportunity to share their story and help consumers understand the work that goes into producing British food.

To support this, we have a range of free Red Tractor resources available for members to use, including our new “Backing British Farming” window stickers.

A visible reminder of the important role Red Tractor farmers play

The stickers are a simple way to show your support for British farming and help start conversations about the people behind the food we all enjoy. Whether displayed on vehicles, in farm shops, at events or around your local community, they provide a visible reminder of the important role Red Tractor farmers play in producing food to high standards.

Alongside the new window stickers, members can access a range of other materials to help showcase British farming and share their story, including, leaflets, bunting, note pads, pens and stickers that can be used at farm events, open days and other community activities.

Demonstrate the positive contribution of British agriculture

We want to make it easier for members to have the tools they need to engage with the public and demonstrate the positive contribution of British agriculture.

To order your “Backing British Farming” window stickers and explore the full range of available merchandise, visit the Red Tractor website. You’ll need your membership number to place an order.

Order Red Tractor merchandise

28 Jul 2026

Red Tractor connects with sheep farmers at NSA Sheep Event

The NSA Sheep Event provided a valuable opportunity for Red Tractor to meet directly with sheep farmers, industry experts from across the sector, strengthening relationships and discussing the future of farm assurance.

Held at the heart of the sheep farming community, the event brought together professionals from across the industry and gave the Red Tractor team the chance to hear first-hand about the challenges, priorities and opportunities facing producers.

Fostering relationships, transparency and collaboration

Red Tractor’s Beef and Lamb Sector Chair, John Dracup, said: “By coming to the event and having open dialogue, we hope to foster stronger relationships, transparency and collaboration with the sector. I am confident this will help rebuild a sense of trust between Red Tractor and the sheep farming community.

“The team were particularly keen to hear members’ views and feedback. We share the same goal of securing a strong future for the sector and remain committed to understanding the real-world challenges and opportunities farmers face.”

Understanding the realities of sheep farming

The event also provided an important opportunity for Red Tractor’s new CEO, Paul McLaughlin, to meet members and discuss the organisation’s response to the Farm Assurance Review. Speaking from the NSA stand, Paul outlined the steps being taken to ensure the scheme continues to deliver value for farmers, the wider supply chain and consumers.

Paul said: “Understanding the realities of sheep farming is central to how Red Tractor moves forward. The Farm Assurance Review has given us an opportunity to consider what works well, where improvements can be made, and how we can continue to support farmers while delivering robust assurance across the food chain.

“Events like the NSA Sheep Event are incredibly important because they allow us to engage directly with producers. We want farmers to know their views matter and that we are committed to working with the sector to shape the future of farm assurance.”

Ensuring standards remain clear, effective and proportionate

Paul shared an update on Red Tractor’s ongoing line-by-line review of its standards, led by farmers, technical experts and wider industry stakeholders. The review is examining every requirement to ensure standards remain clear, effective and proportionate, while continuing to protect animal welfare, food safety and the reputation of British agriculture.

Red Tractor Chief Executive, Paul McLaughlin, appears on stage.

Paul added: “The contribution of NSA CEO Phil Stocker MBE and former Chair Bryan Griffiths to our Beef and Lamb Sector Board and Technical Advisory Committee has been invaluable. Their insight, expertise and attention to detail have played a significant role in helping us finalise standards that the sheep sector can be proud of, and I am extremely grateful for their support throughout the process.”

He confirmed that the formal consultation on proposed changes to the standards will launch at the end of September, giving members and stakeholders the opportunity to share their views and help shape the future of the scheme.

Red Tractor is encouraging farmers to take part and have their say, ensuring the voices of those working on farms remains at the centre of the process.

Improving the Beef & Lamb Scheme

24 Jul 2026

Reminder to livestock members: Maintain compliance and stay vigilant

As activist activity targeting UK livestock farms continues, we encourage all livestock producers to remain vigilant and ensure Red Tractor standards are met everyday.

Consistent, high standards safeguard confidence in British farming

Regularly reviewing farm practices, ensuring everyone working with livestock understands their responsibilities, and addressing any issues promptly are key to maintaining compliance. Consistent, high standards of animal care not only protect your business but also help safeguard confidence in British farming.

Fair and evidence-based

Where allegations are made, Red Tractor works quickly and proportionately to establish the facts. We carefully review and verify the available evidence, seek expert and veterinary advice where appropriate, and work closely with certification bodies to investigate any potential non-compliance. We are committed to taking fair, evidence-based action where standards have not been met, while also challenging inaccurate or misleading claims and supporting compliant members.

Red Tractor Board Update – July 2026

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

Improving farm assessments and standards

25 Jun 2026

Farm Standards Review: Why taking the time matters

In December 2025, Red Tractor announced a full review of its farm standards, focused on reducing audit burden, streamlining assessments, and ensuring standards remain fit for the future.

The review is highly consultative, led by Sector Boards and involving representatives from across the supply chain.

Speaking on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, Red Tractor CEO Paul McLaughlin explained why this work takes time:

“When you’re working across the whole industry on a consensus basis, everyone has to agree – and that does take time. Developing standards is a bit like an iceberg – much happens beneath the surface. What’s encouraging is the number of people working through the standards line by line. It’s better to take the time and get this right than move quickly and get it wrong.”

More than 40,000 farmers and growers, accounting for 75% of UK food production, are assured to Red Tractor standards, helping them to demonstrate the integrity and provenance of their produce to customers who ask for assurance throughout their supply chain. Therefore, striking the right balance between pace and allowing time for constructive debate and thorough consultation is essential.

Representative decision-making

Sector Boards and Technical Advisory Committees are made up of representatives from across the supply chain including:

NFU, AHDB and farming associations
Processors, packers and retailers
Technical experts, including vets and agronomists

As the review progresses, here’s a summary of where we are now, and what will happen next.

Where we are now – developing sector-specific standards

In 2025, Sector Boards representing each of Red Tractor’s six farming sectors agreed priorities and objectives for the future of assurance, informed by the recommendations of the Farm Assurance Review. These were published in December, alongside an opportunity for all stakeholders, including farmers and growers, to provide feedback.

In February 2026, Sector Boards tasked their Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) with conducting a full, line-by-line review of all standards, ensuring that any feedback was taken into account.

This process has involved extensive discussion and debate across dozens of meetings. TAC members, most of whom volunteer their time, have committed significant effort and many days of their time to this process.

Alongside TACs, Red Tractor’s technical teams have also drawn on expertise from across the industry, including farming unions, government, regulators, retailers, certification bodies, and technical specialists.

The aim is to develop robust, practical proposals that reflect both industry priorities and on-farm realities, that everyone on the Sector Board can stand behind.

Reflecting on the process, Paul McLaughlin said:

“It’s important to emphasise that these standards are being developed by the farmers and industry representatives who sit on Sector Boards and TACs. Red Tractor’s role is to facilitate the process, but responsibility for agreeing what’s required sits with those committees, representing the full breadth of the supply chain. Reaching consensus across diverse views isn’t always easy, but there’s strong respect for different perspectives and a shared commitment to getting the balance right, overseen by the Sector Chairs.”

What happens next – agreement and consultation

Proposed updates will be reviewed by Sector Boards and then the Standards Committee, a sub-group of the main Red Tractor Board. This phase will take place over the summer, with sectors progressing at their own pace, allowing time for meaningful debate and any new evidence to be considered.

Formal consultation is planned for autumn 2026 providing stakeholders from across the supply chain with a clear opportunity to share their views on the proposed changes.

Six Sector Boards

Beef & Lamb
Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet
Dairy
Fresh Produce
Pigs
Poultry

Finishing and implementing standards

Sector Boards and TACs will reconvene in early 2027 to review consultation feedback and agree next steps.

A further alignment process will ensure consistency across sectors and avoid conflicting or duplicative requirements for producers assured for multiple sectors. TACs and Sector Boards will also consider potential operational changes, such as the frequency and scope of assessments and risk-based approaches.

Once standards and any other changes to assessments are finalised, implementation will involve developing the systems and processes needed to deliver assurance. This includes assessor training, updated guidance, and system changes across Red Tractor and certification body platforms.

Standards also need to be approved by UKAS, the UK’s accreditation body – a process expected to take around six months.

New standards are therefore likely to be published in late 2027, when on-farm implementation timelines will be confirmed.

Paul McLaughlin added:

“We recognise the time, effort and professionalism that farmers and growers put into delivering standards every day. This is why we are focused on making the scheme clearer, simpler and more practical, while protecting the trusted standards behind British food. By taking the time to consult widely and work through the detail, the review aims to deliver standards that reflect real on-farm challenges, while delivering the recognition farmers deserve well into the future.”

How we set standards

Sector Chairs and Technical Advisory Committees

19 Jun 2026

Red Tractor meets farmers at Cereals 2026

Red Tractor had a busy and upbeat two days at Cereals, the UK’s largest arable event, at Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, with lots of worthwhile conversations despite the challenging weather.

The rain may have kept coming and the ground was hard going underfoot, but that did not stop people turning up. There was a steady flow of visitors to the Red Tractor stand across both days, giving the team a valuable chance to hear what was on people’s minds and talk through the pressures and priorities facing farm businesses.

A valuable chance to get out and speak with farmers

Paul McLaughlin, CEO of Red Tractor, said: “Cereals was a really valuable chance to get out and speak directly with farmers, growers and others from right across the industry. We heard honest views, important questions and practical feedback, and that really matters. Those conversations help us understand what people need from assurance and where we need to keep improving.”

Red Tractor’s seminar on the Seed to Shelf stage, featuring Philippa Wiltshire, Director of Standards & Operations and Deputy CEO, Alistair Mackintosh, Chair and Julian Sturdy, Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Chair was another highlight. It prompted open and lively discussion on the issues that matter most to farming businesses. The session gave people the chance to ask questions, share their views and hear more about where Red Tractor assurance is heading.

A shared commitment across the industry

The fact that so many farmers still came along and took part in such difficult conditions said a great deal about the determination and commitment that runs through British agriculture. Red Tractor left Diddly Squat encouraged by the level of engagement and by the shared commitment across the industry to producing trusted, high-quality British food.

Thank you to everyone who visited the stand, joined the seminar and took the time to speak with the team. We look forward to carrying those conversations on in the months ahead.

Improving the Crops Scheme

16 Jun 2026

British consumers trust UK food more than other regulated institutions, new research finds

The 2026 Trust in Food Index reveals high and stable confidence in British food and farming, alongside a significant gap in consumer understanding of how it is produced.

UK consumers have more confidence in British food than in any other institution measured, according to Red Tractor’s 2026 Trust in Food Index, conducted by YouGov with a nationally representative sample of 3,514 UK adults.

94% say they trust UK food, a figure that has held consistently high since the Index launched in 2021 and which now leads all other institutions tested. NHS care fell from 90% to 88% since 2024; tap water from 90% to 85%; gas and electricity suppliers from 77% to 69%; local government services from 90% to 83%. Trust in UK food was the only category to increase since 2024, rising by one percentage point.

Doubts about imports and food security

Consumer confidence is, however, notably weaker when it comes to imported food. More than a third (37%) say they are not confident that imports meet UK standards, and a majority (53%) believe products that fall short of UK welfare rules should be banned. Trust in British farmers is high at 80%, but nearly half of consumers (49%) doubt whether the UK could produce enough food to sustain itself, with 18% expressing no confidence in domestic food self-sufficiency at all.

Assurance certification growing as a trust driver

When asked what makes them trust UK food, consumers pointed most consistently to three factors: freshness, UK origin labelling, and assurance certification. Of these, third-party assurance has seen the sharpest growth from 54% in 2022 to 74% in 2026.

Richard Cattell, Director of Market Development at Red Tractor, said: “Consumers want independent verification, not just claims, and they actively look for proof that standards are being met. The growth in trust for assurance certification demonstrates that shoppers are taking a more informed approach to their purchasing decisions, and Red Tractor plays a vital role in delivering that reassurance every day.”

High trust, low understanding

The research also identifies a significant tension. Despite high overall trust levels, 93% of consumers say they lack understanding in at least one aspect of food production, and 87% report experiencing confusion at the point of purchase.

Philippa Wiltshire, Deputy CEO and Director of Standards and Operations at Red Tractor, said: “Trust matters, but it is not enough on its own. If consumers are going to back British farming, they need clearer understanding of what sits behind the food they buy and the standards farmers work to deliver every day.”

What Red Tractor is doing

Red Tractor’s 2026 consumer campaign will focus on educating shoppers about food labelling and what assured standards mean in practice. The organisation is partnering with young farmers to help address common misconceptions about how British food is produced.

Jo Miller, Director of Communications and Engagement at Red Tractor, said: “This research shows that consumers genuinely value British farming and the standards behind it. But it also shows how much work remains to turn that trust into confident informed purchasing decisions. Red Tractor is committed to making that story more visible.

Paul Tompkins, NFU Deputy President, said: “Our farmers work hard and are rightly proud of their world leading production, environmental and animal welfare standards. It’s great to see the findings in this report clearly demonstrating that the British public retains a deep-rooted trust in sustainable homegrown food.

“The report also highlights a lack of confidence on standards of imported products. This is why we continue to call on government to introduce a robust system of core production standards that must be met by both domestically produced and imported food to be sold in the UK.

“While the Red Tractor logo continues to serve as a beacon of reassurance for shoppers, our farmers must also feel valued and supported by the assurance schemes that govern them. The NFU will continue to work constructively with Red Tractor, developing the Farm Assurance Review recommendations, to ensure that standards remain practical, add clear value to farming businesses and do not impose unfair bureaucratic burdens on producers.

“Maintaining public trust is absolutely vital. It requires continuous dialogue and transparency throughout the whole supply chain in order to build a resilient and thriving industry, so we can continue producing high-quality food for the nation.”

Download the Trust in Food Index 2026 Report

The Trust in Food Index is an annual YouGov study commissioned by Red Tractor and Grounded Research, surveying more than 3,500 UK adults. Now in its sixth year, it is one of the UK’s most comprehensive surveys of public attitudes to food, farming and food standards.

12 Jun 2026

Collaboration and resilience: Festival of Fresh 2026

The UK fresh produce industry came together at Festival of Fresh 2026 on 10th June, hosted by G’s at their HQ in Barway, Cambridgeshire, for a day of insight, inspiration and connection across the sector.

Founded in 1952, G’s is one of the UK’s leading fresh produce businesses and Red Tractor licensee for a selection of their salads.

Established as one of the UK’s key industry gatherings, the event brought together growers, suppliers, retailers and innovators to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of fresh produce.

A sector navigating change

Opening remarks from G’s chairman, John Shropshire and CEO Guy Shropshire, set the tone for the day, with resilience emerging as a central theme in an increasingly complex operating environment. From supply chain pressures and labour availability, to rising energy costs and regulatory change, panels discussed the sector’s challenges openly and honestly. Discussions also highlighted the growing role of collaboration between industry and government, with speakers sharing perspectives on investment, domestic production and supply chain stability.

Strengthening the standards

Red Tractor’s Fresh Produce Technical Manager, Sam Trevey, set out how the assurance scheme is evolving to meet the sector’s changing needs. A key mention was the new leafy salads add-on – introduced in response to recent industry challenges – to strengthen food safety and raise standards across the board. With a full, line-by-line review of the fresh produce standards now underway, he also emphasised the importance of industry input, with stakeholders being actively encouraged to share feedback ahead of a formal consultation later this year. An updated version of the standards is expected in 2027.

Bringing the industry together

Red Tractor’s Sam Trevey speaking at Festival of Fresh

Beyond the speaking sessions, Festival of Fresh delivered what it is best known for: bringing people together across the full supply chain, to network and share knowledge. G’s also hosted impressive tours of their baby leaf packhouse and farm, giving delegates a behind-the-scenes insight into the packing, planting and harvesting processes at their Barway site.

The day also recognised standout achievements through the Festival of Fresh Awards, celebrating innovation, sustainability and excellence across the industry.

Improving the Fresh Produce Scheme

Site search