09 Oct 2026

Red Tractor welcomes Welsh Government announcement on Sustainable Farming Scheme integration

Red Tractor has welcomed today’s announcement from the Welsh Government on its Sustainable Farming Scheme integration with farm assurance schemes, as a move which will reduce duplication and paperwork for Red Tractor assured beef, lamb and dairy producers in Wales.

Sustainable Farming Scheme: Red Tractor CEO Paul McLaughlin comments:

“We welcome the Welsh Government’s announcement and the recognition that Red Tractor assurance can help deliver animal health and welfare outcomes while reducing unnecessary duplication for farmers and vets. We will share exact details at a later stage.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Welsh Government and other administrations to develop other longer-term arrangements that support practical delivery, reduce bureaucracy and maintain high standards of animal health and welfare.”

06 Oct 2026

‘There’s no such thing as just a farmer’: Red Tractor launches film championing British farms

Red Tractor has launched a new farmer-led short film celebrating the skill, hard work and pride behind British food.

Released on 6 October, Proud to Farm recognises the contribution of more than 40,000 farmers and growers assured by Red Tractor. It follows months of unusually hot, dry weather that has put pressure on food production and impacting all farming sectors.

Proud to stand behind farmers and growers

Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Red Tractor, says: “British farmers and growers are producing food against an incredibly challenging backdrop, and we believe their contribution deserves to be recognised and championed.

“We want to make the skill and care that goes into producing British food more visible to consumers and show farmers and growers that we are proud to stand behind them.”

Featuring real farmers and growers working to Red Tractor standards, Proud to Farm reflects both the difficult and rewarding days of producing food, and the moments that make the hard work worthwhile.

The short film also highlights the many roles farmers fulfil, with farmers featured describing themselves as food producers, business owners, mechanics, crop specialists, livestock experts and custodians of the countryside.

Recognising the responsibility in maintaining high standards

Its central message is that there is no such thing as ‘just a farmer’, recognising the responsibility involved in maintaining high standards and producing food for the nation.

Red Tractor assurance covers around three-quarters of UK agricultural production, with the logo appearing on more than £18bn worth of food and drink.

Earlier this year, Red Tractor’s 2026 Farmer Sentiment Survey found the majority of farmers believe assurance schemes play an important role in building consumer confidence, with many calling for Red Tractor to do more to champion assured British food and strengthen understanding of the standards behind it.

In August, Red Tractor worked with young farmers in British high streets to explore consumers’ understanding of farming, food production and product labelling.

Strengthening understanding and trust in British food

Mr McLaughlin says: “We know there is still a gap in understanding around how food is produced, but there is also a real sense of pride in British food and the farmers behind it.

“If this film helps more people understand the skill and commitment behind British farming, and builds confidence in the food our farmers produce, then it has done what we set out to achieve.”

NFU Deputy President, Paul Tompkins says: “British farmers and growers work incredibly hard to produce high-quality food while running businesses, caring for livestock and managing the countryside.

“We are extremely proud of the skill, commitment and dedication shown by everyone working across our sector, which is being recognised and celebrated in this film, with our farmers and growers at the heart of telling the story of British farming.

The full Proud to Farm film can be watched at: https://redtractor.org.uk/proud-to-farm/

Learn more about our Standards

28 Sep 2026

Red Tractor Board Update – September 2026

The AFS Board met on 25 September to review progress across Red Tractor. Our discussions covered the standards review and current consultation, our response to animal welfare campaigns, strategy development, this year’s consumer marketing campaign and wider governance matters.

Welcomes

We welcomed Anthony Hopkins as AHDB’s new industry director and thanked Ken Boynes and Will Jackson for their contributions representing AHDB. John Powell, the new Chief Executive of the British Meat Processors Association, also joined us as an observer.

Updates from the Chair and CEO

I reported on positive stakeholder meetings at the Royal Welsh Show and reflected on representing Red Tractor at the AIC parliamentary reception and the Dairy UK annual dinner, as well as serving as a judge at the Cumbria Farmer Awards.

Our CEO, Paul McLaughlin, thanked members of the technical advisory committees and sector boards, alongside colleagues across the technical and communications teams, for the significant and sustained collective effort behind the standards review and the launch of the first consultation. He also shared a broadly positive staffing update: most vacancies are now filled, interviews for the poultry technical manager role are scheduled and shortlisting is underway for a new independent finance director.

We received a positive update on discussions with the Welsh Government about aligning Red Tractor assurance with relevant requirements, including potential earned recognition for animal health.

Standards review

Philippa Wiltshire, Standards & Operations Director and Deputy CEO, shared an update from the Standards Committee. She reported that the Committee had reviewed in great detail the proposals developed by the Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) and agreed by Sector Boards. We all recognised the exceptional level of engagement, attendance and detailed discussion across the TACs, and the substantial work undertaken to ensure every proposal had been properly examined and justified.

The proposed changes to the Fresh Produce, Pigs and Poultry standards will go to consultation in November.

Proposed changes to the Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet standards will go to the Crops Sector Board next week. If agreed by consensus, they will then go to the Standards Committee before going to consultation at the same time as proposals for the other sectors.

The Board also heard that an updated issues-management process will be presented at the next Standards Committee meeting, supporting continuous learning from animal welfare exposés.

Consultation update

The consultation for proposed changes to the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Standards launched on 22 September for six weeks. The proposals have received a positive initial response. The Board discussed lessons from the Beef & Lamb and Dairy consultation, including how to shorten the survey while maintaining transparency and keeping TACs and Sector Boards informed as consultation materials are developed.

Strategy development

Work is underway to define business-as-usual, stretch and transformational outcomes for Red Tractor’s future strategy. These will be brought to the Board in January for debate and discussion.

Marketing update

The Board reviewed the performance of the 2025 With You for 25 Years campaign, which reached around 49 million people. It reached 93% of primary shoppers an average of nine times, while prompted awareness among the target audience peaked at 75%. Understanding of the brand also improved.

This year’s objective is to maintain awareness at 75% while improving conversion and strengthening consumer trust. The Yougov half-year September check-in results show that we are on-track with year-end KPI targets. The campaign will run in November and December across television, video on demand, radio, online video, out-of-home, in-store activity and consumer PR. The Board noted the challenge of rising television costs and increasingly fragmented media consumption, which should be considered for future campaign planning.

Systems review

Finally, the Board signed off a proposal to support the continued development of the organisations technical capabilities to help deliver smarter assurance in the future.

Kind regards,

Alistair Macintosh, Red Tractor Chair

Red Tractor Board members:

Alistair Macintosh – Chair
John Pain – Vice Chair
Paul Tompkins – Industry Director, Farmers Union
Anthony Hopkins – Industry Director, AHDB
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

23 Sep 2026

Important storage and grain passport checks

As post harvest collections continue and grain moves out of store, we’d like to remind members of a few important points to help avoid rejections, delays and quality issues within the supply chain.

Short Term Storage deadline: 31st October 2026

Review your status on the Red Tractor Checker and ensure all stores are recorded with the correct status.
Double check renewal paperwork has your correct name (and this matches the name that you trade with) address and stores listed.
Any crop that is stored within a short-term store, must ensure movement by 31st October.
Issues outside of member control that affect late October movement and may push collection into November – contact your certification body about a derogation. Please note that these are only for circumstances that sit outside of the member’s control.

Recent issues have highlighted grain passports being submitted with sections left incomplete or information carried over using ditto marks. Buyers have confirmed that all required fields, including mycotoxin declarations and dates where applicable, must be completed on every passport for every load. Tippex should not be used on grain passports, simply strike through a mistake, initial and date it.

Don’t be afraid to turn a lorry away

If a vehicle arriving to collect grain is not clean, dry or suitable for carrying grain, do not load it and request an alternative vehicle.

This is supported by the TASCC Standard: clause H7.2, which requires the load-carrying areas and equipment to be cleaned to remove previous-load residues and the trailer to be dry internally before loading. Clause H7.3 states that a vehicle must not be presented for carriage where its external condition presents a food or feed safety risk.

The TASCC collection requirements also make clear that the final decision to load rests with the person loading the vehicle. A short delay is preferable to the consequences of a contaminated or rejected load.

How to create a print-at-home PDF grain passport

Red Tractor Crops & Sugar Beet Scheme

22 Sep 2026

Red Tractor opens Beef & Lamb and Dairy Standards Consultations

A six-week consultation has opened for farmers and wider industry stakeholders to have their say on proposed changes to Red Tractor’s Beef & Lamb and Dairy standards.

Delivering practical improvements to assurance

The consultation period is an important opportunity for farmers to consider what the proposed changes would mean in practice on their farm, and for vets, advisers and others across the industry to assess whether the proposals are clear and workable.

John Dracup, chair of the Beef & Lamb Sector Board, says this process follows Red Tractor’s commitment to deliver practical improvements to assurance.

“We want to hear all points of view, but particularly those of farmers,” he says.

“No two farms are the same, so it’s important we hear from a range of businesses. If something is unclear, or there’s a more practical way of demonstrating compliance, we want to know.”

A farm-specific approach

The sector specific Technical Advisory Committees, made up of farmers, vets, processors, retailers and other industry representatives, have reviewed every audit point line by line against set criteria.

Their subsequent proposed changes have also been scrutinised by the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Sector Boards and considered by Red Tractor’s Standards Committee. Representatives of all these committees have reached consensus on the proposals now being put out for consultation.

Key changes across both schemes include fewer prescriptive audit points and a more farm-specific approach to livestock health planning, including an annual review focused on each farm’s health priorities and an agreed action plan.

By consolidating and reordering requirements and removing prescriptive detail where it does not add value, the proposals reduce the requirements for Beef & Lamb by one third, and for Dairy by one quarter.

For Beef & Lamb, the proposals include a small number of additional requirements on practical welfare and resilience, covering extreme weather, feed safety, disease planning, nutrient management and housing.

For Dairy, alongside the changes shared with Beef & Lamb, proposals include a new code of conduct on animal care and handling, plus recommendations on cow comfort, environmental enrichment and foot-trimming competence.

Making standards clearer and more practical

By aligning the Beef & Lamb and Dairy standards, farmers in England assured for both dairy and beef will benefit from a significant reduction in duplication between the two sets of standards.

Tim Lock, chair of the Dairy Sector Board, says: “The aim is to make the standards clearer and more practical.

“In most cases, what’s expected of the farmers remains the same, but should make preparation for assessments and demonstrating compliance easier.

“Importantly, the proposed changes also ensure that standards continue to deliver confidence in the market.”

A genuine opportunity for farmers to shape what comes next

Feedback will be reviewed by the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Technical Advisory Committees and Sector Boards, which will consider the feedback before confirming which of the proposals move forward.

Mr Lock says: “This is a genuine opportunity for farmers to help shape what comes next.”

Alongside the standards review, Red Tractor is also reviewing how assessments are carried out, including assessment cycles, what is checked, and how technology can support the process. These changes have the potential to deliver further efficiencies while maintaining rigour, and will be shared as the work develops.

The consultation period runs from 22 September to 3 November 2026 and is open to all stakeholders. Beef & Lamb and Dairy scheme members can view the proposed changes and respond to the consultation at www.redtractor.org.uk/bld-consultation.

Similar consultations for proposed changes to standards for Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet, Fresh Produce, Pigs and Poultry will follow later in the year.

David Barton made an important contribution to the Beef & Lamb standards review through his role at the NFU, and Red Tractor would like to recognise his commitment to the sector.

Share your thoughts

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.”