Now that the Red Tractor Board has released its response to the Farm Assurance Review (FAR), I’m pleased to share the key points we discussed about the report during the Beef & Lamb Sector Board meeting on 20 February.
For 25 years Red Tractor has contributed to keeping food standards high. But in a changing world, with shifting consumer expectations and regulatory landscapes, there was agreement upon the need to recognise the successes of the past but also redefine the purpose of Red Tractor for the future.
The FAR makes recommendations about improving efficiency, recognising existing farm data to reduce unnecessary paperwork, and ensuring greater consistency across different assurance schemes. Farmer representatives expressed concerns, not for the first time, about the complexity and duplication of audits and suggested that a streamlined approach might encourage engagement.
The report discusses transparency in decision-making and the need for greater farmer involvement in shaping standards. Some Sector Board members advocated for the Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) to have a stronger role in final decision-making, rather than leaving key decisions solely in the hands of the Sector Board. It was agreed that greater acceptance for standard changes could be achievable if farmers truly understood the reasons behind introducing a change to standards.
Processors and retailers broadly supported the review, seeing it as an opportunity to modernise farm assurance and strengthen Red Tractor’s credibility. However, retailers emphasised balance. They value the role of farmers but also the need to ensure their customers feel confident in the products they buy. Generally, retailers and processors advocated for expanding sustainability and welfare requirements to meet consumer expectations, while farmers and trade representatives warned that excessive requirements could make participation in the scheme more burdensome.
Simplifying processes was welcomed by retailers, but not at the expense of scrutiny or responding to changing consumer expectations. The key point they made is that any changes must enhance, not dilute Red Tractors reputation.
The challenge of changing was discussed. While most Sector Board members agreed that rapid change was unrealistic, doing nothing was also not an option. The consensus was that if Red Tractor doesn’t adapt, customers may seek alternative solutions. Yet, there was also a danger: rushing reform without clarity could lead to confusion, resistance, or even weakened standards.
The concluding sentiment from the Sector Board was that this is a great opportunity for improvement and progress. The Farm Assurance Review has offered an opportunity to reshape Red Tractors role in the livestock industry to be “fit for the future”.
Kind regards,
John Dracup,
Chair, Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Board
Members of the Beef and Lamb board:
David Morgan – NFU
Samantha Charlton – AHDB
Alice Liddle – BRC/Food Service
Zanna Dennis – Livestock Auctioneers Association
Bryan Griffiths – National Sheep Association
Sarah Haire – Processor
Phil Hambling – British Meat Processors Association
Henry Blain – Multiple Retailer
Natalie Smith – Multiple Retailer
Andrew Crutchley – BCVA
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