Following the Farm Assurance Review, Red Tractor has committed itself to change.
In what it describes 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” the board 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.
The Board acknowledged the deep frustrations expressed by producers following a prolonged period of reflection and consultation among all Red Tractor’s Sector Board food and farming industry representatives and independent experts.
Alistair Mackintosh, interim Chair of the Red Tractor Board commented: “All involved with Red Tractor want farmers to feel heard, involved and proud to be part of Red Tractor. The detailed response is a 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.”
Red Tractor 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.
Red Tractor also welcomes news of the appointment of the Review’s lead commissioner Dr David Llewellyn to monitor delivery against the recommendations. Red Tractor will be submitting updates to Dr Llewellyn directly, as well as regularly updating on progress through a dedicated page on its website: redtractor.org.uk/FAR
David Exwood, Industry Director, NFU said: “I welcome the positive response to the Farm Assurance Review from Red Tractor and the input from all the sector boards. It demonstrates a desire to listen and make changes where appropriate. The key now is that we collectively use this opportunity as a reset moment, giving farmers a stronger voice in assurance, delivering better outcomes for everyone involved. I feel we are now on the right track, ready to make positive changes at pace.”
Kit Papworth, Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Sector Chair added: “The UK FAR calls for action on all parts of the combinable crops sector which, as chair of the Red Tractor Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Board, I fully support. It also signals the opportunity for us to re-engage with farmers, rebuilding trust and confidence. Red Tractor will undertake all of the steps suggested of it in the UKFAR. Combinable crops is the only sector singled out for specific recommendations with wider crops supply chain organisations and AHDB identified to lead this work. The RT team is fully committed to helping and supporting all these stakeholders to establish how best to address the import equivalence challenge for the sector.”
