Dear Member,
The Beef & Lamb Sector Board met on 26 June, and I would like to personally update you on what we talked about. Our focus remains clear: supporting farmers, building trust, and making sure our standards are practical and really make a difference for the sector.
The Board acknowledged the good progress Red Tractor has made in responding to the Farm Assurance Review, including, improving communications and a significant effort to meet and collaborate with all involved in farm assurance. We know some changes take time, agreement from everyone, and careful planning to get right. Our main goal is to create clear, forward-looking standards that truly serve the purpose of assurance.
Looking ahead, developing the strategy for the Beef & Lamb sector the Board focused on several important areas:
A clear farmer-focused message: The Board wants a strong, farmer-focused vision and message. It’s important to avoid confusion, especially around exports and the idea that standards are always getting tougher.
Rebuilding Farmer Trust: Trust is at the heart of what we do. Red Tractor must show its value, work better with farmers, and be open about how standards are set.
Practical, Fair Standards: The Board agreed that our standards must reflect real farm life and focus on meaningful results, not just ticking boxes. Being practical and fair is key to getting farmers on board.
Balanced Assessments: We’re looking at ways to focus checks where they’re needed most, but to keep things credible for consumers.
Whole Supply Chain Focus: Our strategy will cover the full supply chain, from farm to the processor then onto the retailers, while keeping farmers front and centre.
Board-Led Development: Any future changes to standards should be guided by the Sector Board to make sure they meet the needs of the sector before moving ahead.
We had open discussions about how board members are chosen. There were strong comments from trade bodies asking for a simple nomination process, where trade bodies retain the right to appoint their own representatives whilst accepting the Membership Criteria must be met. It was also recognised that to achieve full consensus sometimes compromise would be needed and where not always possible, and a fair, transparent process is needed to handle disagreements.
Red Tractor is reviewing how standards are developed, the aim is to make the process clearer and to involve the Sector Boards and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) more. We want to make sure new standards are not too complicated or impractical, and that everyone understands where they come from. The Board will have more say over which standards move forward, and we’ll listen carefully to feedback before making decisions. The Red Tractor team is developing a timeline to review its standards. Stakeholder consultation will be a critical part of this process with any changes expected to come into force in early 2027.
The Board agreed that the TAC must have real influence. I’m therefore absolutely delighted to let you know that Professor Jude Capper has been appointed as the new TAC Chair. Jude brings a wealth of experience and an evidence-based approach to policy and innovation. Her understanding of the sector, along with her ability to engage constructively across a wide range of stakeholders, will be invaluable in ensuring the TAC plays a strong, visible, and impactful role.
Finally, the Board was supportive of Red Tractor’s communications plan and its aims to build farmer trust. I know that communications alone won’t build trust, it must be part of a broader ecosystem of change. Words need to be backed up by actions. That means delivering practical standards, listening to farmer feedback, being transparent about decisions, and showing how assurance adds value on farm. This won’t happen overnight, but I am confident we’re heading in the right direction.
Best Wishes,
John Dracup
Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Produce Sector Chair
