Dear Members,
I am pleased to update you on the recent Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board meeting, which took place on 18 June 2025. I chaired this meeting in the absence of a new Red Tractor Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet sector chairman being in place.
The sector board acknowledged from the outset the ongoing challenges in the cereals sector, particularly around profitability and competition from imports.
New Sector Board Chair
We are delighted to welcome Julian Sturdy as the new Chair of the Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board. Julian brings over 30 years’ experience as an arable farmer in North Yorkshire, as well as a distinguished parliamentary career representing rural communities and championing British agriculture. A press release announcing Julian’s appointment is available on the Red Tractor website and we look forward to facilitating introductions ahead of our next meeting.
Laying the foundations of how Red Tractor develops new standards
We are committed to ensuring the upcoming standards review is transparent and collaborative, with robust, face-to-face consultation to ensure farmer voices are heard.
The Sector Board reviewed drafts of key governance documents, including the Sector Board Terms of Reference and Policy for Standards Development. These will be taken forward for final sign-off following feedback from all sector boards, forming the basis for how Red Tractor will conduct standards reviews
Developing a strategy for the Red Tractor crops and sugar beet sector
Work is underway to draft a crops-specific strategy to brief our new chair and guide the future direction of standards development. Board members are contributing directly to this process, with a focus on the following core themes:
- Earned recognition: Securing earned recognition remains a top priority, both to demonstrate the value of Red Tractor assurance and to reduce regulatory burdens for farmers.
- Supply chain transparency & fairness: We are engaging with the full supply chain – including millers, maltsters, oilseed crushers, feed compounders, merchants, brands and distillers – to promote greater fairness and ensure the value of assurance is clearly communicated to growers.
- Imports: An AHDB-led project will compare UK assurance standards with those of key competitor countries to inform our approach.
- Role of the TAC: The board acknowledged the important role of the RT Crops Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The sector board agreed the TAC should offer practical expertise as Red Tractor continues to develop and revise standards.
Progress on Farm Assurance Review (FAR) recommendations
The board received an update on progress against FAR recommendations, with a focus on collaboration and delivering the right outcomes – even if this means adjusting initial timelines. Red Tractor continues to work with industry partners and government to reduce audit duplication and champion earned recognition.
Finally, all members of the sector board reaffirmed their commitment to acting as advocates for Red Tractor’s vision and purpose, while also constructively challenging progress to ensure the best outcomes for members.
As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement with Red Tractor. If you have any questions or feedback, please do get in touch.
Best Wishes,
Alistair Mackintosh
Red Tractor Chairman
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