ui-arrow-rightui-button-arrowui-caret-downui-exclamationui-play-circle

Digging into the detail – Our response to the Farm Assurance Review webinar on 28 April 2025

The webinar provided a valuable platform for farmers to engage directly with representatives from Red Tractor.

During the session, Red Tractor addressed a range of questions from farmers, covering topics such as farmer representation, import equivalance and the value of Red Tractor membership.

The Q&A was led by Hugh Broom, an indepedent farmer and journalist, who put Members’ questions to the panel.

Watch the webinar

Watch here

Answers to questions asked during the webinar on 28 April 2025

 Use the dropdown below to read answers to the questions asked during the webinar. We’d done our best to answer all questions. Where similar questions were asked, we’ve provided one answer to cover that topic.

Click to view questions on the following topics

Benefits of Red Tractor

In many farming sectors there are alternatives to Red Tractor. For example, in fresh produce, many producers are Leaf or GlobalG.A.P. assured. RSPCA assurance is an option for livestock producers and there are devolved schemes. The recent Farm Assurance Review included 15 different assurance schemes currently operating in the UK.

In considering competition, it’s important to note that Red Tractor was established by the NFU and the food chain as an industry-wide initiative to ensure consistency of standards across British food production. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, with standards set in consultation with farmer and industry representatives, the success of Red Tractor is intended to support its members by creating confidence amongst retailers and consumers. As a result, the last 25 years have seen a significant upswing in trust in British food and support for British farmers, which has helped to secure domestic markets. However, we understand that this benefit is not always felt by farmers on the ground and are keen to address this.

It’s also important to remember that Red Tractor assurance is voluntary. Some farms choose not to be Red Tractor assured, but this decision means that they are unable to supply retailers and processors who include Red Tractor assurance in their sourcing policies. An alternative to Red Tractor could also mean the need to meet multiple other standards – potentially for multiple retailers of schemes – which would lead to increased audits.

In an international context, most other countries also use a single, or primary, assurance scheme to assure the standards of their produce. For example, the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP) for lamb, Board Bia for Irish Beef, Bedre Dyrevelfærd for Danish pork.

We agree! We are currently looking at how Red Tractor can support British farmers, processors and brands in overseas markets, to differentiate British products from alternatives. We know through recent international consumer research that we have undertaken in nine different European and global markets that Red Tractor significantly increases the trust consumers have in British food and their likelihood to buy it. We will be sure to keep members informed of this work as it develops.

The government has stated that they are committed to maintaining the standards British food is produced to and Red Tractor will always champion the standards of British food production. We have an important role in building awareness and support for British food & farming with consumers. Our research shows that, although price will always be an important factor, consumers overwhelmingly trust and favour British products with the Red Tractor logo. As a result, most retailers prioritise souring British and value the added confidence that Red Tractor assurance gives their shoppers them in the credibility of their supply chain, food safety and animal welfare.

When Red Tractor was first established 25 years ago, Red Tractor assured producers could expect to receive a price premium for their products due to the confidence this offered retailers and consumers in relation to food safety, animal welfare and good practices, compared with non-assured products. However, as more and more producers have become assured, we don’t see premiums as overtly as in the past. Red Tractor assurance does however offer many other benefits including:

  • Access to market: Red Tractor assurance opens up business opportunities by fulfilling buyers sourcing specifications, policies and/or codes of practice. All major UK retailers utilise Red Tractor standards as part of their British food buying specifications. Some of the UK’s most iconic brands, largest restaurant chains, food service wholesalers, contract caterers and managed pub chains also specify and source Red Tractor product. 
  • Earned recognition from some regulators: Red Tractor assured farms receive earned recognition from government regulators, such as the Food Safety Agency (FSA). For example, Red Tractor assured dairy farms are inspected once every 10 years for dairy hygiene by the FSA, compared to a minimum of once every 2 years for other farms.
  • Reduced duplication of audits: Other schemes or programmes acknowledge Red Tractor’s credentials, which means members automatically achieve ‘earned recognition’ and enjoy a range of inclusive benefits. These include the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), SAI Platform (Silver) and EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
  • Business reputation protection and enhancement: Being Red Tractor assured gives you peace of mind that your farm is operating to standards expected by your buyers. It also gives confidence in the entire industry.
  • Exports: Red Tractor standards underpin many of the UK’s export contracts, which opens new markets for members’ produce.

Funding and governance

Listen to a recording from Philippa Wiltshire, Director of Operations at Red Tractor > 

Farmers already have a vital role in inputting into Red Tractor’s decision-making process via representation on our Board, Sector Boards and Technical Advisory Committees. However, we acknowledge that more can be done to ensure that farmers feel consulted and listened to, and able to influence the decision-making process. We’re totally committed to reviewing farmer involvement in both the standards review process and consultation. To do this we’re: 

  • Reviewing Sector Board Terms of Reference: We’re reviewing the Sector Board Terms of Reference that cover the structure of each of our Sector Boards, how the members are recruited and appointed, and their duties to represent the sector. The results of this review will be published in July. 
  • Exploring ways to improve feedback to farmers: We’re also reviewing how farmer representatives cascade information from Red Tractor to farmers and the wider industry, to share what is being discussed by the Sector Boards more transparently, engaging with the wider farming community. We’re currently speaking to existing farmer representatives on our Sector Boards and farming trade bodies about how we can get better at sharing information.  
  • Considering farmer focus groups: We’re looking at the potential for an independent farmer focus group or panel where we can seek views from farmers on the ground about the way Red Tractor works and some of our standards.  

To conclude, farmer involvement in Red Tractor is absolutely under review and will be vitally important to the future. As in our response to the Farm Assurance Review, we’ve committed to provide further update on these efforts in July.   

Red Tractor receives around 50% of its income from licensee fees paid by processors and other food businesses to make the Red Tractor assured claim, including using the Red Tractor logo on their products.

As a whole supply chain programme, Red Tractor’s governance has been designed to include representatives from farmers & growers alongside processors and retailers. This is essential to ensure balanced decision making which takes all points of view into account.

Read more about our governance >

Red Tractor’s Board of Directors and Leadership Team continue to have the full confidence of its owners: National Farming Union, National Farming Union Scotland, Ulster Farmers Union, AHDB, British Retail Consortium and Dairy UK.

The Farm Assurance Review called for a change of leadership approach and culture, We fully recognise the need for improvement here – for example, over the past six months, RT has identified new organisational values which include behaviours for its leaders; RT will integrate these into all its operations to bring about culture change.

At present, no Red Tractor Board members are formally trained as Mental Health First Aiders. However, Red Tractor fully recognises the serious mental health challenges facing the farming community and is committed to improving support in this area. Many Red Tractor staff who liaise regularly with members have already undertaken RABI Mental Health Training, and we ensure that any direct communication with members, especially during challenging times like the application of sanctions, includes information on where to find help and support.   

In addition, the Red Tractor Board is in the process of extending the responsibilities of one of our directors to oversee farmer support and wellbeing, which will include reviewing opportunities for further training, whether that’s for staff, assessors, or Board members.

This question speaks to a concern we know is shared by some in the farming community. We recognise that simply having farmers on boards isn’t enough if those individuals aren’t seen as representative of the diverse views and experiences across the sector.

Currently, appointments to the Red Tractor board and technical advisory groups are made through a combination of nominations from stakeholder organisations and professional expertise. While this has brought a range of voices to the table, we understand it doesn’t always reflect the direct input or choice of the wider farming base.

We are considering how to strengthen farmer representation and accountability in a more transparent and inclusive way, including how individuals are selected to these roles. While we recognise that farmers want greater influence, not just through consultation but through mechanisms that give them a direct say in who represents them, we also acknowledge that the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Boards are still under review and not yet agreed. As set out in our FAR response, we are committed to reviewing the ToR in liaison with farming stakeholders and publishing the outcome by July.

Red Tractor was established to uphold and promote whole chain standards that support the entire UK food supply chain, from farm to fork. However, we fully acknowledge that the long-term credibility and effectiveness of the scheme depend on the trust, participation, and support of the farmers at its foundation.

While Red Tractor constitutionally is not a membership body with voting rights, we recognise that the voices of farmers, the very people implementing the farm standards, must be better heard and represented in how the scheme evolves. That’s why we are currently reviewing our governance and engagement processes to ensure they allow for greater farmer input and transparency. This includes exploring more formalised routes for representation, consultation, and dialogue.

We want to create more meaningful opportunities for farmers to shape the standards they work so hard to uphold. That means not only listening but ensuring that feedback has a clear route to influence decision-making at all levels of the organisation. Your feedback is a vital part of this ongoing conversation, and we welcome further input from you and others who share your concerns.

Communications

Last year Red Tractor conducted two surveys into farmers’ views. The first is a post-assessment survey, sent to all member farmers following their audit. The second was an independent survey of farmers views, shared via email with all members. Both had around 2,000 responses.

The results of these surveys show some significant differences. In the post-assessment survey 79% feel positive or neutral about Red Tractor, compared with 49% in the farmer survey. There are also significant differences between sectors, poultry being the most positive, and crops most negative.

We plan to work with a research consultant in 2025 to help to better understand these responses and ensure they provide an accurate reflection of sentiment.  

Senior figures of Red Tractor are very happy to engage in constructive conversations and debate with farmers. We’re running more webinars, face to face meetings and opportunities to connect with farmers. We’ve will continue to consider the merits of engaging on the Farming Forum.

We understand that when standards feel disconnected from on-farm reality, particularly in sectors like dairy, it can erode trust and create frustration. Tools such as online polls, live webinar feedback, and sector-specific surveys do offer a quick and accessible way to gather views. We agree that using these methods more consistently could provide an early “reality check” on whether a proposed standard is practical and relevant.

As part of our current review into how standards are developed and communicated, we are actively exploring better ways to engage with farmers, including more direct, real-time feedback mechanisms.

We’re committed to ensuring that future standards are shaped not just for farmers, but with them.

We agree that genuine representation must reflect the diversity of views within the farming community, including those who are critical of assurance or question its current direction.

At present, most farmer board members and advisers have experience with, or are broadly supportive of, farm assurance, which brings valuable insight into how the system works in practice. It’s important to acknowledge, though, that this does not mean they always agree with everything we have done, many actively provide constructive challenge and raise critical issues as part of their role. At the same time, we recognise that for some, particularly those more sceptical of assurance, the current composition may still give the impression that certain perspectives are underrepresented.

We’re mindful of this and as part of our wider governance and engagement review, we are looking at how to ensure broader, more inclusive representation to ensure a broad and balanced range of voices are heard. This includes exploring ways to involve farmers who hold a range of views in our decision-making processes.

Constructive challenge is vital to making Red Tractor more transparent, accountable, and responsive. We are committed to creating spaces where a wider range of perspectives can be heard, debated, and genuinely considered.

Sustainability

The Red Tractor Board and Sector Boards all agree that the environment is an extremely important subject for the UK farming industry.  However, following the feedback from Greener Farms Commitment, we have been clear that we will only be involved in future environmental standards when all constituencies across the UK food and farming chain, by sector, ask us to and with full consultation. As a result, we strongly welcome the Farm Assurance Review recommendation that others coordinate the future direction of environmental standards. Red Tractor will support in this area where required.

That is for farming bodies and their members to determine. The likelihood of a request is likely to differ depending on the farming sector. For example, in Fresh Produce the Leaf Scheme is already widely used.

Consumers and the Red Tractor logo

We know from our consumer research amongst 14,000 UK main shoppers that 60% of shoppers agreed that the Red Tractor logo gives them trust in the quality of the product, versus only 10% of shoppers who maintained the same trust in seeing the British Flag on its own. The Red Tractor logo offers consumers more than just reassurance of products being made in the UK; it is a recognised indicator of the safety, quality and attention to responsible production standards that Red Tractor certifies through its assurance scheme.

We agree, price is a significant factor in how consumers choose the food they buy; however, the price of Red Tractor produce is not determined by Red Tractor, but by the market.  Product supply and consumer demand will ultimately determine the price of goods, and with this, Red Tractor’s job is to promote the high standards and care that goes into producing British food, differentiating it from the alternatives that a consumer could buy, such as imported products. Our research shows that 75% of UK main shoppers recognise the Red Tractor logo, and 75% of those shoppers (equating 17 million UK shoppers), see it as a logo they can trust to signify responsibly produced.

Arla is a major licensee of Red Tractor.  Whilst the Red Tractor logo is displayed on their milk brands, you are correct that it is currently not on their Yeo Valley brand.  We would welcome Arla to use the logo, and we believe it would add value to their brand.  We will continue to discuss with Arla.

While M&S and Sainsburys do not display the Red Tractor logo, they remain committed supporters of Red Tractor. Our farm assurance and supply chain standards underpin their British product specifications, and we have regular discussions with both. We know through our significant consumer research with over 40,000 UK main shoppers that M&S and Sainsburys shoppers see the logo as a valuable endorsement for both brands, and therefore we continue to encourage both retailers to consider utilising and celebrating their Red Tractor credentials.

Technology and the Red Tractor portal

We are always looking to continually improve our online portal system; we welcome feedback from assessors and members who are actively using the platform. This provides us with valuable insight into things we can future change and develop. For some elements that may be Red Tractor specific, such as quarterly vet reviews in the pig sector we are looking at exactly this route for detail to be shared with Red Tractor and the certification bodies.

We are also aware that there are many systems already on use on farm, many are able to support demonstration of compliance within their current reporting formats, therefore alongside the ongoing developments of the portal we are looking at ways to work with those who provide services to members, via digital routes to understand more about their systems. We hope this engagement will lead to greater awareness of systems across the board, via guides and training, then assessors can view details on farm via common systems rather than members having to duplicate the information onto the RT portal.  Some API feeds may come about because of this work however we think the greater win is the recognition of current management systems capabilities.

Efficiency for the member is a key requirement of the portal process; hence Red Tractor are constantly looking at ways to improve the resource.

We are looking at what documents might be time bound, such as parlour service records, Medicine training certificates etc with suggestions being made that upload of these at time of activity may be beneficial.

Protocols which may not change between years can be uploaded to give the assessor sight, prior to arriving on farm, of what actions they may be observing and how they fit with the site’s protocols. We know it is not a perfect resource but from feedback that is being shared with us we believe we are making it a better resource for all.

We recognise that some members and assessors may prefer to use physical files however we continue to make improvements to the online portal to ensure that members and assessors can benefit. This has been partnered with a programme of training with assessors to ensure that they are confident in using the platform. 

For members the Red Tractor team are on hand to answer any queries and provide guidance on how to use the portal or fix any issues.

The idea of the portal is that the documents can be uploaded as and when, so the audit workload is spread, removing some of the pressure immediately prior to assessment.

The more farmers and assessors that utilise the portal, the greater the benefit – less time will be spent reviewing paperwork on farm, and it provides a more efficient collaborative system overall for both the farm business and the assessor.

We acknowledge that it may be time consuming for the member the first time they log onto to the portal as they familiarise themselves with the system and gather all the relevant documentation to be uploaded. However, as assessors and members become more familiar with the system, it will become a time saving tool as documents may be uploaded throughout the year rather than just prior to an assessment. In turn if a proportion of the information is uploaded, the assessor can undertake the reviewing of the documentation prior to the date of the assessment therefore allowing them more time to undertake the farm tour and engage with the member.

Red Tractor recognises that it is vital farmers have total control over their information and data held by us and that if there is a value to this individual personal information it must be the farmer only that decides who has access and on what terms. We operate a range of data protection measures, such as limiting the use and storage of member data, encrypting and anonymising sensitive data, conducting regular data audits and reviews, and providing clear and transparent data policies and consents. These measures ensure that Red Tractor respects the privacy and confidentiality of its members and handles their data with the utmost care and responsibility.

As technology advances, Red Tractor will continue review and revise our security measures, providing farmers the reassurance that we will always protect their data, it will not be shared with anyone without their express permission and can be removed at any time from the portal.

For the last two years we have reached certification by the Farm Data Principles Scheme (FDP) this is a respected authority in the agricultural sector which is dedicated to promoting and verifying best practices in data handling. They perform checks on us to ensure that we manage data in line with the data principles. This certification provides additional assurance to farmers and consumers across the UK.

More information about the Farm Data Principles Scheme (FDP) can be found here.

Crops

Red Tractor is one assessment for access into a multitude of potential homes, flour mills for milling wheat, oil seed crushers for OSR, British Sugar for beet as well as feed mills for feed grains. As the Red Tractor scheme is robust, established and accepted by the entirety of the UK market the likelihood of governmental inspections or penalties is significantly reduced as the sector as so effectively self-regulated.

We understand that imported grains entering the UK market may not have been grown to the same standards in the UK.  Red Tractor has been campaigning on this issue since 2021. Alongside the NFU and a group of other farmers, Red Tractor approached the AIC to extend the Gatekeeper protocol. AIC concluded that, ‘based on the assessment carried out within AIC, it is the sector’s view that due to the reasons outlined i.e., no discernible market demand, additional cost, administrative complexity, and no added value, the introduction of the UK Gatekeeping protocol does not fit well into the current agri-food supply chains for the UK.’

Red Tractor has been working on the ‘Entry Level Feed Scheme,’ to provide a lighter touch assessment for growers who only grow feed grains in an attempt to level the playing field on imported crops. This is draft scheme is currently with industry and supply chain representatives for consideration. Additionally, as part of its response to the FAR, AHDB will be producing a report to benchmark UK standards against export markets around the world.

Red Tractor has worked with the leadership group for the digital passport since its inception, as part of the development group. Red Tractor is not taking an active role in the formation of the digital grain passports. Even so, we have been working to highlight where assurance status might be of benefit to both the grower and the industry.

NSTS tests of sprayers can be carried out up to 30 days before the 1 year anniversary of the previous test, and the same test date is retained – so if a test was done on 15th May on year 1, then 17th April on year 2, the recorded validity date for year 2 can be pushed back to 15th May to avoid the issue of test dates creeping forwards. For more detail, please contact your local Test Centre or visit the NSTS website: www.nsts.org.uk 

Due to the amount of use sprayers would generally get on a Red Tractor assured crops or produce farm, our required NSTS testing frequency for boom sprayers is more frequent than the legal minimum. This helps to ensure that Plant Protection Products (PPPs) are being applied accurately, helping to minimise the risks of Maximum Residue Level (MRL) exceedances, ineffective PPP application, and adverse environmental impacts, and provides assurance that the industry is using PPPs responsibly. Over 50% of NSTS tests identify a fault, the most common of which is drips and leaks, which are important to identify and resolve as soon as possible – not least to minimise losses of expensive PPPs. 

Pigs

The majority of independent pig producers in the UK are in fact represented by the National Pigs Association, who requested that Red Tractor consult the sector on the proposed changes to the Red Tractor pigs scheme. The NFU’s deputy president sits on the Red Tractor main board and was very much aware of the development of the pigs consultation, including the fact that the proposals had been developed by the Red Tractor Pigs Technical Advisory Committee over a period of a year, with significant input from pig industry processors, PVS, NPA and pig welfare experts.

The consultation includes proposals on the possible introduction a tiered system of logos and other longer-term changes to the Red Tractor pigs scheme.

Since launching on 28 April, the consultation has been reported on extensively in UK food and farming trade press:

Red Tractor’s technical manager, Georgina McDowell also presented the proposals to the Pigs Tomorrow event. We also posted a physical version of the Red Tractor Member Matters newsletter to every member, which included details of the consultation.

The National Pig Association have been communicating it with their members too.

The consultation closes on 6 June 2025. The consultation takes 20 minutes to complete and we encourage all those working in the pigs supply chain to complete it.

Beef and Lamb

Over the last 25 years, Red Tractor has engaged with the Halal sector at various points, but progress has been limited by the complexity of the market and the absence of a clearly defined role that is supported by all relevant stakeholders. It’s not that the opportunity has gone unnoticed, but rather that achieving consensus on how Red Tractor could add value has been challenging. That said, we recognise it has been some time since this issue was last actively explored, and we are now re-engaging with key voices in the Halal market to see whether there is a meaningful and agreed role for Red Tractor moving forward.

Yes, given that the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMCNI) manages the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBL FQAS) they were one of the farm assurance schemes considered by the Farm Assurance Review.  Red Tractor has a close working relationship with NIBL FQAS, which like all the devolved nations livestock schemes, is recognised as an assurance scheme that can supply beef and lamb eligible for the Red Tractor logo.

Dairy

We are always looking to build on the current relationships we have with First Purchasers and are happy to attend and talk at industry/processor events along with contributing to newsletters that are sent out to supplying farms.  The Technical team currently have regular meetings/catch ups with processors additionally; processors representatives also sit on our board and help with the strategic direction of the dairy sector.

Fresh Produce

Red Tractor water testing standards are proportionate to the food safety risk of the crop and irrigation water source, and is based on internationally recognised, science-based guidance issued by the European Commission; the maximum testing frequency required for potato irrigation water is just once per year. These standards had been developed and agreed on with our Technical Advisory Committee and Sector Board.

Red Tractor’s office

This is a fair question. A big part of our job is working with people who influence the future of agriculture: government departments, major retailers and food service businesses. Most of these decision-makers are based in or frequently travel to central London. By having a small, efficient office in London, we’re able to stay closely connected to the entire supply chain.

We don’t spend money on lavish space; our office is modest and focused on what we need to do the job well. Being in London helps us work efficiently and effectively, ensuring farmers’ voices are heard where it counts. At the same time, many of our team members live and work in rural areas across the UK, maintaining strong ties to farming communities. This balance allows us to stay grounded in agriculture while staying connected to key decision-makers. The office location isn’t about being rural or urban, it’s about accessibility, influence, and impact. It’s also worth noting that most of our team don’t live in London, and many work remotely from rural locations throughout the UK, including on farms.