Red Tractor has responded in full to the Farm Assurance Review, with the Red Tractor Board of Directors (The Board) issuing a statement welcoming the independent review of the way farm assurance works in UK.
The Board – comprising farmers, NFU, AHDB, retailers, processors and independent experts – has committed Red Tractor to a wide-ranging programme of improvements.
Red Tractor has responded to each of the nine strategic recommendations provided by the Farm Assurance Review’s independent commissioners, and outlined the actions it will take towards delivering the 56 detailed recommendations. This comprehensive response follows an intensive period of reflection and consultation among all Red Tractor’s Sector Board food and farming industry representatives and independent experts.
The Board’s response acknowledges the deep frustrations expressed by producers and welcomes the Review as “an opportunity to reset relationships with farmers, and to better align with all stakeholders on the role assurance will play in a rapidly changing world”.
Alistair Mackintosh, interim Chair of the Red Tractor Board said, “All involved with Red Tractor want farmers to feel heard, involved and proud to be part of Red Tractor. The detailed response published today is testament to our genuine commitment to deliver real change for farmers.
“The Farm Assurance Review has offered us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take stock of how assurance does and doesn’t work for producers, and a renewed focus on delivering tangible, positive change for them. Our commitments balance rigour and speed while also ensuring Red Tractor continues to deliver value for farmers and reassurance to customers.”
Jim Moseley, Red Tractor CEO, said, “This review is a turning point for farm assurance in the UK. It is a call to action for all farm assurance schemes to deliver better outcomes for farmers and producers. Where possible, Red Tractor has committed to immediate action, prioritising improvements where we can have most impact. For more complex issues where there is a need or opportunity to work with others, Red Tractor has already written to those involved to offer collaboration and looks forward to working with them if requested to do so.”
Red Tractor says it has begun work to streamline standards, improve audit efficiency and embrace new technology, all of which should reduce the audit burden for farmers. The scheme will also focus on improving how it communicates, particularly with farmers and growers.