From the Interim Chair

Your January 2025 update from the Red Tractor Board

Welcome to your January 2025 edition of Member Matters.

We'll cover the latest discussions of the January Board meeting and take you behind the scenes of our advertising and research activities, looking at how we establish and measure trust in your produce. We are also incredibly proud of Red Tractor’s contribution to the joint industry initiative aimed at enhancing the welfare of dairy calves, which recently achieved a significant milestone.

Read all about it in this month's Member Matters.

Dear Member,

As we step into 2025, I’d like to update you on discussions at the recent Red Tractor Board meeting and the work we are doing to deliver value for our farmer members and the wider food supply chain.

Farm Assurance Review

The publication of the Independent Farm Assurance Review marks a significant moment for our industry. As the first review of its kind in 30 years, it provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the role of farm assurance in supporting British agriculture.

The Red Tractor Board is taking the time to carefully consider the findings and recommendations of the review. Over the coming weeks, we will be engaging with our Sector Boards, which include representatives from every stage of the food chain, to gather feedback and ensure that our response reflects the views of our members and stakeholders.

Championing British Farming

I reported to the Board that Red Tractor’s commitment to supporting British agriculture has never been stronger. Last weekend, our award-winning TV campaign returned to screens, reminding shoppers to back British farming by looking for the Red Tractor logo. This follows our successful Christmas campaign, which reached over 16 million main shoppers and generated significant awareness of assured British produce during one of the most competitive times of the year for food brands.

The results speak for themselves: 17 million main shoppers now trust the Red Tractor logo, and our recent Trust in Food Index revealed that trust in UK food is higher than ever, surpassing even trust in the NHS. This is a testament to the hard work and high standards of our farmer members, and we will continue to champion your contributions at every opportunity, including in discussions with Government and industry leaders.

Looking Ahead

As our resonse to the Farm Assurance Review is beng developed, other work continues - from streamlining audits and improving the usability of the Red Tractor Portal to exploring new opportunities to support British exports, we are committed to ensuring that Red Tractor continues to deliver benefits for farmers and the wider supply chain.

Thank you, as always, for your support. Together, we can ensure that Red Tractor remains a trusted and valuable marque for British farming.

Best wishes,

Alistair Mackintosh

Red Tractor Interim Chair