From the Chair

Our priority focus continues on improving the experience farmers have during audits, and making standards easier to understand and more transparent.

Audit efficiency is a priority

In my July Board meeting update, I explained the excellent work of our Sector Boards in building a new future for Red Tractor assurance. Now we’re making progress on improvements to the Portal for farmers and assessors, which will be critical in not only saving time and effort, but also improving rigour. This work sits alongside developing a new ‘Assurance Hub’. This a digital tool to help members access and filter standards and compliance information relevant to them, and – in the longer term – explain why certain standards exist. The Assurance Hub is being co-designed with a group of farmer volunteers, and will be launched on our website later this Autumn.

Addressing activist pressure

Last month’s Red Tractor Board agenda was wide-ranging, focusing not just on the above priorities, but also recent activist activity, and our potential role in supporting the export of British-produced food and drink.

With RSPCA Assured currently under scrutiny, the Board discussed the pressures exerted by activists on the farming industry and assurance schemes. The importance of Red Tractor continuing to protect members who adhere to standards was reiterated, as well as maintaining compliance to safeguard the industry’s reputation.

Supporting British food exports

Our vision is to be world-leader in food chain assurance at home and abroad. A survey of 4,500 people across nine countries indicates that in many major export markets, consumers appreciate the added reassurance of Red Tractor, particularly where food safety is uncertain and assurance schemes are lacking. For example, likelihood to purchase British food increased by 13 percentage points if it had the Red Tractor logo as well as the Union flag. On the back of this, the Board has begun discussions on how Red Tractor could complement and support existing efforts by AHDB and processors in establishing overseas markets for assured British food.

Listening and taking action

Since my appointment, my focus has been on listening to and strengthening our relationships with farmers, growers, and processors. This included attending the NSA Sheep Event, where I talked with fellow sheep producers about the challenges facing the sector, such as ensuring assurance delivers value to sheep farmers when non-retail markets – such as ethnic and export customers – don’t require it. Direct communication with farming bodies in the devolved nations is also critical. I had a positive meeting with the NFU Cymru Welsh Council in September, while my colleague and Dairy Sector Chair Tim Lock reported on his visit to Belfast to meet the Ulster Farmers Union Milk Committee. A recurring theme from all is the need for audit efficiency and value from Red Tractor.

More feedback will be forthcoming from our annual farmer survey, running throughout October, which will offer us valuable insights into improving engagement.  If you haven’t already, please take this opportunity to make your feelings known by completing the survey.

Other news

The Board approved the completion of all actions from the Campbell Tickell Governance Review, including updates to the Risk Register and a Governance Handbook, which is now available to all on our website. This and all our current activity on the future of assurance have been reported to the Commissioners of the farm assurance review, which is expected to report in December.

And finally…

I understand how tough the recent unpredictable and extreme weather has been for everyone in the farming community, with Bluetongue adding extra stress and uncertainty. As we move into autumn, I sincerely hope the impacts on your business are minimal. Rest assured, we’ll keep you updated on Red Tractor’s efforts and initiatives to support you during these challenging times. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the team on memberhelp@redtractor.org.uk.