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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Red Tractor awareness reaches 75% following 25th anniversary campaign
Three quarters of UK adults now recognise the Red Tractor logo, according to new consumer research.
YouGov tracking data shows awareness of Red Tractor is at 75% – a 3% increase since January 2025 – putting the scheme marginally ahead of the Lion Mark for eggs at 72% for the first time.
Growing awareness and visibility
Director of Marketing and Commercial at Red Tractor, Richard Cattell, attributes the growing awareness to both the breadth of the scheme, visibility of the logo on packs and the impact of the ‘With you for 25 years’ consumer campaign, which launched in August and is set to reach 46.9 million people by March 2026.
“Red Tractor and other farm assurance schemes play an important role in helping shoppers make informed choices,” says Mr Cattell.
“For over 25 years the Red Tractor logo has been a symbol of safe, traceable and responsibly produced food, underpinned by the efforts of more than 40,000 farmers and growers working to deliver high standards year-round.
“Our new campaign not only celebrates British food but helps to remind consumers why the scheme is trusted by every major UK supermarket,” he adds.
Consistent, trusted marks in shoppers’ minds
“With ongoing questions about the clarity and value of food labelling, achieving this level of consumer recognition demonstrates that consistent, trusted marks can establish themselves in shoppers’ minds.”
Peter Chandley, Head of Quality and Food Safety at Weetabix says: “At Weetabix, sourcing responsibly is fundamental to everything we do. That’s why all the wheat we use from within a 50-mile radius of our mills is Red Tractor assured.
“Assurance plays a vital role in giving us confidence in the safety, traceability and compliance of our wheat supply chain, while also supporting high standards of British farming.
“It provides independent verification right back to the farm, helping us deliver consistently high-quality products to our consumers and reinforcing our commitment to working with trusted UK growers.”
Giving consumers confidence
Red Tractor CEO, Jim Moseley adds: “Given that we’ve only been advertising since the end of 2018 this is a fantastic result.
“Clear, trusted labelling is vital in building confidence in British food, and while assurance schemes cover different products and standards, they share the same goal of giving consumers confidence,” he says.
Red Tractor shares priorities for delivering improvements for farming sectors
Sector Boards initiate review of farm standards in 2026
Red Tractor has published priorities for delivering improvements in each farming sector. The priorities, developed by Red Tractor’s Sector Boards, will guide improvements to the scheme and mark an important step in the organisation’s ongoing commitments to greater transparency and delivering positive, tangible change for UK farmers and growers.
Chair of Red Tractor, Alistair Mackintosh, says: “By setting out these priorities, we’re giving stakeholders, including farmers and growers, a clear view of the direction of each travel in each farming sector and providing an early opportunity for feedback.”
A collaborative approach
The priorities have been developed and agreed collaboratively by representatives sitting on Red Tractor’s Sector Boards and include a review of farming standards in 2026. They sit alongside wider improvements already in progress including the Red Tractor portal, communications and assessor training.
All stakeholders are invited to share feedback by 1 February 2026 via the Red Tractor website.
Alistair Mackintosh, explains: “The collective focus of the review is to support reduction of unnecessary audit burden, delivering efficiency while maintaining rigour and ensuring that every audit point helps farmers to demonstrate due diligence or meet their customers’ expectations.”
Developed by Sector Boards
The priorities have been developed through Red Tractor’s established governance structure. The Red Tractor Board sets the organisation’s strategic direction, while each farming sector is represented by its own Sector Board made up of farmers, growers, vets, processors, retailers and supply-chain experts.
Each Sector Board will continue to oversee the review process, using their collective knowledge to consider the specific needs and pressures facing their sector.
Mr Mackintosh explains that the next phase of work moves to the Technical Advisory Committees (TACs), which bring together experts from across each sector to develop detailed recommendations designed to deliver the priorities and objectives.
“The TACs role is to explore options, test practicality and develop proposals that reflect both the objectives set by the Sector Boards and the realities of on-farm delivery,” he says.
Greater transparency and clearer opportunities for feedback
“Farmers and growers have asked for greater transparency and clearer opportunities to have their say, and this is what we aim to achieve.
“Feedback at this early stage will help shape the work that follows,” says Mr Mackintosh.
Further opportunities to comment on draft standards will take place during 2026, before final, UKAS-accredited standards are published and implemented in 2027.
Red Tractor launches outdoor pigs standards with on-pack logos
Red Tractor is introducing two new modules to the Red Tractor Pigs Scheme – Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred and Free Range – accompanied by distinctive on-pack logos to help Red Tractor-assured pig producers and Red Tractor-licensed food businesses clearly communicate higher animal welfare inputs to shoppers.
Stewart Houston, Chair of the Red Tractor Pigs Sector, said: “These new standards will demonstrate welfare inputs that are a step above our already high core range. The new logos will provide consumers with greater choice on the shelf, while the standards sitting behind them provide outdoor producers a way of reducing their on-farm audits while maintaining access to existing markets.”
Building on the success of additional welfare modules
Developed by industry and subject to extensive consultation over the last 18 months, the new modules build on the success of Red Tractor’s additional welfare modules in the poultry sector. The modules have been benchmarked against existing market standards to ensure they reflect meaningful, recognised welfare standards while fitting within the practical realities of commercial pig production.
To benefit the whole supply chain
The changes are designed to benefit the whole supply chain. For producers, the modules specify standards for outdoor systems within the Red Tractor Pigs Scheme – giving outdoor pig producers a straightforward, trusted way to show the welfare enhancements they deliver. For food businesses who are Red Tractor licensees, the modular approach offers a cost-effective option to demonstrate higher welfare on pack, menus, websites, paperwork and marketing materials. This is particularly timely as many businesses begin to plan packaging updates in the coming months. For retailers, the new logos will help shoppers make quicker, more confident choices at point of purchase by providing a consistent, recognisable and trusted welfare message across pork and poultry.
Reducing audit duplication has been a central aim of this work. The new modules and on-pack logos are intended to streamline assurance activity for producers who currently participate in multiple schemes – a recommendation central to the Farm Assurance Review – and to improve efficiency throughout the supply chain.
A trusted route for better welfare
Stewart Houston, Chair of the Red Tractor Pigs Sector, said: “Producers have been clear that they want fair recognition for the additional time, investment and care that goes into higher-welfare systems. These now modules and logos do exactly that – they give farmers a practical, trusted route to demonstrate better welfare while helping retailers and consumers to recognise those commitments easily. We developed the standards with wide industry input and by benchmarking against established schemes, so producers, licensees, customers and consumers can have confidence in what these logos represent.”
I want to apply for the new Red Tractor Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred or Free Range module
Contact your Certification Body to arrange this to be added to your existing Red Tractor membership.
I am currently RSPCA Assured for my pig enterprise. How do I transition over to Red Tractor
Depending on where you are within your membership and assessment cycle will determine the correct next steps. Please contact your certification body to ensure they capture your wish to have enterprises added to your Red Tractor membership.
My RSPCA Assured membership is not due for renewal yet but my buyer is asking for Red Tractor Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred/Free Range certification – is this an option?
Red Tractor have transition arrangements in place that may mean your stock can enter the chain as Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred depending on the status of your RSPCA Assured certification. Please check the Red Tractor Transition Approval Decision tree to determine the correct step for yourself. Any questions can be directed to either your Certification Body or Red Tractor.
My RSPCA Assurance is the pre March 2025 version – can we have transition approval until our next Red Tractor assessment?
Please contact the team at Red Tractor to discuss this. We will look at the options you wish to ensure all parties are able to work within the requirements.
For licensees and food businesses
I want to use the new logo for my product(s) – who do I need to speak to?
Only approved and licnesed companies can use our trademark wording or logos on product, paperwork, marketing materials, menus or websites and only then in accordance with the Licence Agreement. Please contact our Supply Chain Assurance team for more information: licensing@redtractor.org.uk
How much does it cost?
A licence fee is charged to food businesses when a Red Tractor product claim is being used. The licence fee for Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred and Free Range pork products is 0.1% of declared invoiced sales value (uncapped).As the most recognised, comprehensive and affordable assurance scheme in the marketplace vs other marques, Red Tractor is the best placed scheme to make Enhanced Welfare more accessible for consumers.
Where can I find the brand guidelines for the new logos?
If you are an approved and licensed company with Red Tractor, please get in touch with licensing@redtractor.org.uk to request our brand guidelines. Please include your licence number in all correspondence.
Do I need approval before using the logo on pack or in marketing approvals?
Yes, all logo use must be approved by our Supply Chain Assurance Team – please submit artwork prior to printing for approval and request logos from licensing@redtractor.org.uk. Please include your licence number in all correspondence.
What do I need to do to make a Red Tractor Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred or Free Range claim?
If you are a current Red Tractor Processor Packer licensee, an additional technical approval will need to be completed for Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred or Free Range Pork. The technical information must be submitted and approved by Red Tractor before an Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred or Free Range claim can be made. You will be asked to enter details of your technical operations, suppliers (dependent on your type of business), products and customers as well as demonstrate that you meet our licensing eligibility criteria.
If you are currently not a Red Tractor licensee and wish to onboard in order to make an Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred or Free Range pork claim, please contact the Supply Chain Assurance team at licensing@redtractor.org.uk who can discuss the process with you.
22 Oct 2025
Red Tractor launches ‘Recipes to Remember’ with TV’s Angellica Bell
Toad in the hole, corned beef hash, and bubble and squeak are among the classic kitchen British kitchen staples which have stood the test of time.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the top 30 nostalgic dishes people prepared in homes across the UK, including liver and onions (28 per cent), bread and butter pudding (33 per cent), and Welsh rarebit (26 per cent).
Other dishes making their way to the dinner table are home-made scotch eggs (24 per cent), suet dumplings (20 per cent), and Lancashire hot pot (19 per cent).
It also emerged 63 per cent confirmed the retro recipes they serve up to loved ones have been passed down to them through the generations, signifying the key role they still play in family mealtimes.
With 54 per cent learning them from their parents and 24 per cent from their grandparents.
In a bid to put traditional dishes to the test, children’s TV legend Angellica Bell teamed up with Red Tractor to host an intergenerational cook-off, featuring a selection of family recipes handed down through the generations.
Three families joined the Celebrity MasterChef winner and former CBBC presenter to recreate their favourite nostalgic dishes and explore why they are so important to them.
Recipes included meatballs and spaghetti prepared by Nessie with her two daughters, Coco and Zaza, and son, Kaspar.
A hearty rhubarb crumble was created by Colette and her daughters, Amy and Chloe, and a delicious Chinese-style chicken noodle recipe was prepared by Tony and his son, Benjamin.
The cook-along was planned by the food assurance scheme in honour of its 25-year anniversary, celebrating the hard work of British farmers and growers in meeting the high standards that ensure the safety and traceability of food produced in the UK.
Angellica Bell said: “I have great memories of cooking with my grandmother when I was a little girl and that’s why I believe spending quality time with loved ones in the kitchen is precious.
“It was fantastic to meet some amazing families and discuss the nostalgic dishes that have been handed down through generations in their households, hearing how important it is to them to keep those traditions alive.
“Creating recipes with ingredients that I know are safe, traceable, and British, was the perfect way to remind people about the importance of keeping this front of mind when shopping in supermarkets.”
Richard Cattell, spokesperson for Red Tractor, which has also created an interactive AI recipe generator tool to encourage budding chefs to create nostalgic recipes for their families said: “To mark this milestone anniversary we wanted to explore how nostalgia and cooking can really bring families together.
“It was fascinating to find out which traditional British dishes have stood the test of time, as well as seeing the unique and personal touches families bring to those recipes in the modern day.
“Angellica was the perfect host for the event – as well as it being 25 years since she first started as a children’s TV presenter, she is also passionate about cooking and encouraging children to get involved too.
“We hope to inspire others to get together with loved ones and prepare their own nostalgic dishes.”
The study found that over two thirds (68 per cent) of adults have used specific methods to try and keep traditional recipes alive.
For example, cooking their favourites at big family gatherings, writing recipes down in notebooks or cookbooks, or teaching their own children how to make nostalgic dishes.
Overall, 87 per cent agreed it’s important to keep traditional British recipes alive, according to the OnePoll.com data.
And it seems they are living up to this promise – with over a third (35 per cent) cooking classic dishes at least a few times every week.
A contributing factor to this may be the importance placed on buying British produce and supporting British farmers – 75 per cent confirmed they take this into account each time they shop for their family.
Richard Cattell added: “Nostalgic dishes may not be considered as trendy as they once were, but it doesn’t mean we should let important aspects of our heritage fade from the kitchen completely.
“It’s heart warming and reassuring to see that so many families agree – and are keeping our nation’s favourite classic dishes alive by sharing recipes through the generations and creating lasting memories together in the kitchen.
“With a dash of nostalgia and a big dollop of comfort – we can keep homegrown produce and dishes at the heart of our family homes, ensuring the safety and traceability of ingredients while supporting British farmers.”
TOP 30 CLASSIC DISHES STILL BEING SERVED UP AT HOME
Recognised by 75% UK shoppers, the Red Tractor logo assures consumers that the food they buy meets rigorous standards in food safety, animal welfare and traceability. To preserve this trust, Red Tractor enforces strict rules around logo usage and use of our claim terminology (“RT”, “RTA”, “RT Assured”, “Red Tractor”, “Red Tractor Assured”) to protect our brand integrity.
Why logo protection matters: When consumers see the Red Tractor logo, they expect the product to be British, fully traceable and produced to high standards. Any misuse of the logo risks undermining this trust and the reputation of British farming.
All logo designs on product packaging and menus must be submitted for approval prior to printing to the Red Tractor Supply Chain Assurance Team to ensure accurate logo use by our licensees.
Enforcement and accountability: As part of our Traceability Challenge Programme, Red Tractor actively monitors logo usage and terminology claims (e.g. “Red Tractor”) and takes enforcement action when necessary. Misuse of the logo whether intentional or accidental can result in sanctions for the licensee and negatively impacts Red Tractor’s reputation.
A shared responsibility: Every Red Tractor licensee plays a role in safeguarding the logo. By using it accurately, licensees reinforce the high standards that define British farming and maintain consumer confidence in assured food.
Red Tractor’s Senior Licensing Manager, Joanna King explains the label is more than just a logo, it’s a symbol of trust, integrity and world-leading standards in British food production.
Strict usage rules:
British only: Only food businesses licensed by Red Tractor are able to use our logos and make a Red Tractor claim. Our licensees range from the smallest entrepreneurial food producers and the largest processors and packers to the most iconic British household brands and global food service providers.
Must be licensed: All Red Tractor licensees must be technically approved to hold a licence. This approval is critical to our whole chain assurance approach, ensuring the British supply chain is meeting the standards required at each key stage in the process.
Wide-ranging criteria: Red Tractor has robust criteria and terms & conditions in place, through our licensing process and our traceability challenge programme.
These ensure that claims, including logo use, on products, websites, menus, marketing materials, paperwork and in any communication to promote Red Tractor products are accurate and are only made on or is association with eligible products.
29 Sep 2025
Red Tractor CEO, Jim Moseley to retire
Red Tractor Chief Executive, Jim Moseley has announced that he will retire from full-time employment in April 2026.
“After 50 years in the food and drink industry, and 9 years as Chief Executive of Red Tractor, now is the right time for me to take a step-back to enable more personal time,” Jim Moseley said. “I will leave Red Tractor in a strong position to support the future of British food and farming, with a Board, a Leadership Team and tremendous employees who have the skills, knowledge, experience and dedication to carry Red Tractor forward.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the team at Red Tractor for their immense contribution and hard work. Assurance is not an easy occupation, but the team at Red Tractor deliver their roles with huge professionalism and extraordinary resilience. This team is one of the strongest I have had the pleasure of working with. Red Tractor’s recognition by the World Health Organisation as a ‘global exemplar of a voluntary assurance programme’ is testament to their abilities and the quality of the scheme.”
Alistair Mackintosh, Chair of Red Tractor said: “Jim has made an extraordinary contribution to Red Tractor and British food and farming. Consumer trust in British food is at record levels, as are the number of retailers, caterers and brands relying on Red Tractor assurance. The influence that Red Tractor has in securing markets and demand for British produce, should not be underestimated. Jim will leave an organisation which is highly motivated, financially sound and well governed. On behalf of Red Tractor’s Board of Directors, I’d like to thank Jim for his unrelenting support for British food production. I’m very grateful for Jim’s support as we continue to deliver real, tangible change for farmers, while recruiting a new Chief Executive.”
Watch an interview with Jim Moseley explaining his reasons for retirement
Jim Moseley explains his decision to retire from full time employment
Jim Moseley has worked in every aspect of food and drink, starting out in primary agriculture before moving into food manufacturing, responsible for some of the UK’s biggest food brands. He’s represented the industry at the highest level with governments and global bodies, as President of the Food and Drink Federation, Chair of the Provision Trade Federation, Member of Food Drink Europe and as an industry representative of various government groups including the Trade & Agriculture Commission. He became Chief Executive of Red Tractor in 2017, having previously served as its Chair for two years.
Jim will remain in post for the remainder of the 2025/26 financial year, enabling time for the recruitment of a new Chief Executive while Red Tractor continues to focus on its current priorities, including delivering the recommendations set out in the Farm Assurance Review.
After retiring as Chief Executive of Red Tractor, Jim plans to focus on roles that will give him more time to focus on family and personal life. The process for recruiting a new Chief Executive will be shared in due course
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