Farmer and former MP Julian Sturdy appointed as new Red Tractor Crops Chair

Wednesday 18 June 2025: Red Tractor is pleased to announce the appointment of Julian Sturdy as the new Chair of its Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board.

Julian brings over three decades of hands-on experience as an arable farmer, managing a 750-acre enterprise in North Yorkshire. He has also had a distinguished parliamentary career representing rural communities and championing British agriculture. As a grower of combinable crops and sugar beet himself, Julian offers a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Commenting on his appointment, Julian Sturdy said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair for Red Tractor’s Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector at such a pivotal time for British farming. As a grower myself, I understand first-hand the challenges our sector faces, from evolving market demands to the need for robust, trusted assurance standards. I look forward to working closely with growers and the wider industry to ensure their voices are heard and to help drive positive change. Together, we can continue to uphold the high standards that underpin Red Tractor and deliver value for British farmers and consumers.”

The Red Tractor Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board plays a vital role in representing the interests of UK growers, processors and retailers while maintaining the integrity of standards across the supply chain. As Sector Chair, Julian will also sit on the Red Tractor Board of Directors, responsible for setting the strategic direction for the organisation overall.

Welcoming Julian to the role, Red Tractor Chair Alistair Mackintosh said:

“We are delighted to welcome Julian as our new Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Chair. His unique combination of practical farming experience and policy expertise will be invaluable as we work to ensure Red Tractor members are proud to be part of our scheme and that our standards remain trusted at home and abroad. The open recruitment process has brought us a leader who can help us build on our strengths and navigate the challenges ahead for the crops sector. We look forward to working with Julian to champion British farming and deliver value for our members and supply chains.”

Julian’s appointment follows an open and transparent recruitment process overseen by the Nominations Committee with representatives from the Sector Board in line with the Red Tractor Governance Handbook. The role was widely advertised across industry channels, including Farmers Weekly, Farmers Guardian and through stakeholder networks.