17 Sep 2026

Red Tractor meets dairy farmers at UK Dairy Day

Red Tractor was at UK Dairy Day recently, meeting farmers and industry colleagues and hearing directly about the issues that matter to the dairy sector.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for the Red Tractor team to speak face-to-face with members, answer questions and listen to their experiences of assurance and the wider challenges facing dairy farming.

Help shape how the scheme develops

Engaging directly with farmers is important to us. We want members to have more opportunities to talk to us, challenge us and help shape how the scheme develops. The team also spoke to farmers about the upcoming Dairy Standards Review and encouraged members to take part and share their views when the consultation launches.

Jo Miller, Red Tractor Director of Communications and Engagement said: “Face to face conversations give farmers and stakeholders the opportunity to meet and hear directly from the people working hard to ensure Red Tractor delivers for everyone in the supply chain, allowing for questions, debate, and improving understanding. Events like UK Dairy Day give us exactly that opportunity.

Hearing what’s on the minds of dairy farmers

“It was great for the team to speak to so many dairy farmers, hear what’s on their minds and have some really open conversations about Red Tractor. We won’t always agree on everything, but it’s important that members feel they can talk to us directly and know that we are listening.”

UK Dairy Day is part of a wider programme of engagement for Red Tractor this autumn, with the team holding face-to-face member meetings across the UK throughout October and November.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to talk to us – we look forward to continuing the conversation over the coming month

Find out more about Red Tractor Dairy Standards

10 Sep 2026

Red Tractor responds to EU action on Brazilian food imports

Following the EU’s decision to remove Brazil from its approved list for certain products of animal origin from 3 September 2026, Red Tractor says farmers and consumers need confidence that food entering the UK is subject to robust standards and checks.

Comments by Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Red Tractor Assurance

Paul McLaughlin says: “The EU has moved to restrict imports of Brazilian beef and poultry because it has not received the guarantees needed to demonstrate compliance with its antimicrobial requirements.

British farmers have worked hard to build consumer trust

“That raises an important question for the UK: if the EU does not currently have the assurance it needs on antimicrobial requirements for certain Brazilian products, what assurance does the UK have that equivalent products entering our market meet the expectations placed on British farmers?

“British farmers have worked hard to build consumer trust. Our latest research shows 94% of consumers trust British food, but more than a third are not confident that imported food meets UK standards.

“Consumers should also be able to make an informed choice about the food they buy and eat, whether they are buying food in a shop or eating out.

Look for the Red Tractor mark

“The Red Tractor mark gives independent assurance that standards on responsible medicine use, animal welfare, food safety and traceability have been met.

“When buying beef or poultry in shops, consumers looking for reassurance that it is British and produced to rigorous standards should look for the Red Tractor mark.”

Find out more about Red Tractor Standards

02 Sep 2026

Love Lamb Week: Supporting British sheep farmers when they need it most

Love Lamb Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of Britain’s most versatile and delicious meats while recognising the dedication of the farmers who produce it.

This year, however, the occasion comes at a particularly challenging time for many sheep farmers across the UK. From ongoing dry weather and drought conditions to the continued threat of Bluetongue, many are facing significant pressures while continuing to care for their animals and produce high-quality food.

Despite these challenges, sheep farmers remain committed to maintaining the high standards consumers expect. Their dedication ensures that British lamb continues to be produced with care, skill and expertise, providing families with food they can trust.

Backing British farmers through your food choices

Every time you choose British lamb, you’re supporting farming families and rural communities across the country.

Looking for the Red Tractor logo is a simple way to identify lamb that has come from farms independently certified to standards covering food safety, animal welfare and traceability. It gives consumers confidence in the provenance of their food while supporting British farmers who work hard to meet these standards.

Why lamb?

British lamb is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Sunday roasts and comforting stews to curries, burgers and barbecue favourites. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends or simply looking to try something new, lamb is a great way to enjoy high-quality British produce.

Show your support this Love Lamb Week

This Love Lamb Week, why not add British lamb to your shopping list and support the farmers behind it?

By choosing Red Tractor-assured lamb, you’re helping to back British sheep farmers during a challenging period while enjoying food produced to independently certified standards.

Look for the Red Tractor logo and show your support for British farming.

Find out more about Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Standards

25 Aug 2026

Red Tractor showcases the strength of British pork

For buyers operating in increasingly complex global markets, trust, traceability and supply chain assurance have never been more important.

Providing confidence to international buyers

In August, Philippa Wiltshire, Director of Standards & Operations and Deputy CEO at Red Tractor joined AHDB to showcase the strengths of British pig farming to Chinese delegates.

Philippa outlined how Red Tractor assurance gives international buyers confidence in British pork through independent verification, full traceability and clearly defined production standards.

Operating across the entire supply chain

A key focus was how Red Tractor operates across the entire supply chain, from feed and farms through transport and processing to retail or export, with practical controls covering food safety, animal health and welfare, biosecurity and medicine use.

The UK has a strong reputation for producing high-quality pork, with standards playing a key role in building confidence in British produce.

Find out more about Red Tractor pork Standards

19 Aug 2026

Red Tractor celebrates Cumbria’s farming future at the Cumbria Farmer Awards

Red Tractor was proud to sponsor the Judges’ Special Award at the Cumbria Farmer Awards on Friday 14 August, helping to celebrate the people and businesses making a real difference to farming in Cumbria.

The award was presented to D.M.J Hetherington of Maryport, a fourth-generation family farming business where three generations work together to run a diverse coastal enterprise spanning dairy, beef, tourism and direct-to-consumer sales.

Connecting people with the countryside

The family’s 190-cow dairy herd sits alongside a beef enterprise, with both businesses underpinned by a strong focus on soil health and regenerative farming. They are also investing in renewable energy, tree planting and hedge management as part of their approach to sustainable farming.

Away from the farm, their caravan park and wider community initiatives, including coastal clean-ups, are helping to connect more people with the countryside and the role farming plays within it.

Three generations working together

Jemma Holden, Red Tractor Technical Manager, presented the award on the night. She said: “The Hetherington family really stand out because of the way they are bringing together everything that is important about a successful modern farming business. Three generations are working alongside each other, with a clear respect for the traditions and values the business has been built on, while also looking ahead and embracing new ideas.

“They have built a genuinely diverse business while putting real thought into how they farm for the future. Their focus on soil health and regenerative practices shows that sustainability is not simply an add-on, it is part of how they are developing the business.”

Joseph Hetherington said the award was especially meaningful as a recognition of the family and whole team’s contribution and of the future the next generation is helping to build.

Gratitude and pride

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the Judges’ Special Award. Farming is very much a team effort for us, and with three generations of the family working together, this award means a great deal to all of us.

“To be chosen by a panel of people who work within the industry and see so many outstanding business is truly humbling, we are filled with gratitude and pride.”

“This recognition gives us all a real boost. We are proud of what previous generations have built, but we are equally excited about the future and the opportunities ahead. To receive this award together as a family makes it particularly special.”

Shining a light on dedication and professionalism

Cumbria farmer and Red Tractor Chair Alistair Mackintosh added: “Red Tractor supports British farmers and food producers in building trust and confidence in the food they produce. Celebrating success and innovation in our farming communities is an important part of that.

“We are delighted to be able to shine a light on the dedication and professionalism behind British food and recognise the people who are helping to build a strong and sustainable future for our industry.

“Congratulations to the Hetherington family on a thoroughly deserved award.”

Find out more about Red Tractor Standards

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, 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.

*The stickers are fully removable.

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

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