Dairy Sector Board, Farm Assurance Review Discussions - February 2025

With the Red Tractor Board’s response to the Farm Assurance Review (FAR) now published, I can provide an update on the discussions that took place at the Dairy Sector Board meeting on 26 February.

The Sector Board took a detailed look at the report’s findings, focusing discussions on major issues impacting the dairy sector, such as governance, assessment pressures, environmental commitments, earned recognition, and the importance of better communication.

Red Tractor has played a key role in maintaining high food standards for over two decades. As consumer expectations evolve and regulations change, the Board agreed how important it is for Red Tractor to seize opportunities for improvement while fostering support, advocacy, and collaboration across the supply chain and industry bodies.

Dairy processors play a more prominent role in our sector than in many others. Their voice carries weight, not just because of their position in the supply chain but because they are directly responsible for the key financial and operational commitments of assurance. Unlike other sectors, where costs may be distributed across various players, processors in the dairy sector bear the burden of paying for compliance, making them deeply invested in Red Tractor’s efficiency and effectiveness.

One of the most significant concerns processors expressed at the meeting is the stress of audits. Losing assurance status can have severe consequences for farmers, disrupting operations and potentially shutting off market access. This creates an ongoing challenge: how to balance strict compliance with a duty of care to those being audited. However, the Sector Board were clear that any changes to process must protect high standards.

Sustainability and environmental impact are becoming increasingly important to all parts of the supply chain. While the Dairy Roadmap is leading the way in shaping sustainable practices, there was a strong recognition from Sector Board members that Red Tractor also has an important role to play. The consensus was that embedding environmental commitments into assurance frameworks can help reinforce the industry’s dedication to responsible and forward-thinking practices.

The FAR refers to earned recognition (ER), it makes it clear that this is an excellent opportunity to reduce the burden of assurance on farmers and all avenues to deliver ER should be explored. The Sector Board agreed that ER streamlines compliance for those who consistently meet high standards, reducing duplication and administrative strain, thus rewarding good practice and ensuring that resources are used effectively.

ER complexities do arise in the dairy sector due to devolved responsibilities across different regulatory bodies so it will be crucial that we maintain a consistent and fair approach. However, we should remember that ER is already a valuable mechanism in the dairy sector. If you are in England, Wales and Northern Ireland you already benefit from less frequent dairy hygiene inspections.

One of the most important issues raised in the FAR is communication. Many farmers and even some within the industry do not fully understand the role of Red Tractor—or why certain standards exist. Without clarity, compliance can feel like a box-ticking exercise for some of you rather than a meaningful effort to improve standards. The Sector Board discussed the training of assessors, concluding that if a farmer asks why a standard exists the assessor should be able to explain its purpose and benefit. Without that knowledge, assessments risk appearing to be too process based.

The Sector Board agrees with the FAR that Red Tractor must have a “farmer-first” communication approach, ensuring clearer explanations of why standards are in place.

The Board also addressed Red Tractors branding and visibility in export markets. The Union Jack is widely recognised abroad, but less so the Red Tractor logo. If assurance standards are a point of national pride, then the Sector Board thinks export branding should reflect that.

The challenge of changing was discussed. The Sector Board agreed that rapid change was unrealistic, doing nothing was also not an option. The conclusion was that there is a clear path forward and, the publication of the FAR is a chance to improve, rebuild trust, and redefine the role of assurance in the dairy sector. But change will not happen overnight and stakeholder buy-in is critical.

The balance of the dairy Sector Board was discussed and encouragingly it was seen as positive – farmers, processors, and retailers all have a seat at the table fostering a collaborative environment where different voices can come together to drive meaningful improvements.

Best regards, Tim Lock,

Chair, Red Tractor Dairy Board