Sector Updates

A sector-wide consultation with the pig industry

Dairy Roadmap relaunches

Expanded funding supports on-farm vet visits in England

New Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Chair

A sector-wide consultation with the Pig Industry: What we heard and what happens next

At the request of the pig industry, Red Tractor recently carried out a sector-wide consultation on proposals for tiered welfare standards and labelling. Our goal: to reduce audit complexity for producers and offer clearer information to consumers.

From small independent producers to retailers, integrators, and NGOs, we worked hard to ensure every part of the supply chain had the opportunity to have their say.

The result? With 122 responses from a broad cross-section of the pig industry representing an estimated 225,000 sows or around 90% of the English sow herd, we have received a powerful snapshot of how our proposals are viewed by the people who will be most affected.

Funding supports on-farm vet visits in England

Farmers across England can now apply for fully funded vet visits that cover multiple herds or flocks on the same farm, including cattle, pigs, and sheep. Comprehensive animal health support is now more accessible than ever.

These visits are part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway; launched in 2023 by DEFRA to improve livestock welfare and farm productivity. Since its launch, over 8,000 visits have already taken place, helping to improve the health of hundreds of thousands of animals. Impressively, more than 95% of farmers who’ve participated say they have already acted, or plan to act, on the expert advice provided by their vet.

We’re committed to driving continuous improvement in animal welfare. That’s why, from February 2025, we formally integrated the principles of DEFRA’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway into several of our Beef & Lamb Standards.

This important step ensures that the latest best practices in animal health, backed by evidence and expert veterinary advice, are embedded in our standards. It reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting farmers in delivering good welfare and responsibly produced food which reinforces the value of Red Tractor assurance for consumers, processors, and retailers alike. Applying is quick and easy, and taking advantage of this support can make a real difference to the wellbeing of your animals and the productivity of your farm.

Dairy Roadmap relaunches with clear vision for the future

The Dairy Roadmap, the industry's long-standing sustainability initiative, has been officially relaunched.

First launched in 2008, the Dairy Roadmap has brought together farmers, processors, retailers, and industry bodies with one shared goal: to champion continuous environmental improvement across British dairy.

Now, after wide consultation and reflection on the evolving challenges for the industry, from climate change and biodiversity to consumer trust and market pressures, the relaunch sets out a clearer, more collaborative path forward.

A new steering group, including Arla, Dale Farm, Müller, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and McDonald’s, will guide the work. Its first big deliverable is the Sustainable Dairy Pathways Report, due in 2026, which will identify the funding, innovation, and collaboration needed to get the dairy industry to net zero.

What’s new in the relaunched roadmap?

Three focus areas: Climate, biodiversity, and waste, each with defined actions and goals to guide progress across the whole supply chain.
Farmer-led vision: The roadmap recognises the practicalities and pressures facing farmers today. It sets realistic targets and highlights the role that existing schemes, like Red Tractor, already play in meeting them.
Clearer communication: By streamlining messaging, the roadmap aims to better showcase the good work already happening on British farms and help the wider public understand the value of dairy.

In the months ahead, the Dairy Roadmap team will be sharing tools, case studies, and updates to help farmers of all sizes see where they fit in, and how they can get the most value from being part of the journey.

The aim is to keep British dairy at the forefront of sustainable farming.

New Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board Chair

Julian Sturdy has been appointed as Chair of the Red Tractor Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board.

A North Yorkshire arable farmer with over 30 years' experience, Julian also brings significant political insight from his time as an MP representing rural communities and championing British agriculture. He offers both practical knowledge and a strong voice for farmers. Julian will also join the Red Tractor Board of Directors, helping shape the organisation’s overall strategy.

His appointment follows an open recruitment process overseen by the Nominations Committee, with wide promotion across the industry.

Welcoming him to the role, Red Tractor Chair Alistair Mackintosh said: “We are delighted to welcome Julian. His unique combination of practical farming experience and policy expertise will be invaluable as we work to ensure Red Tractor members are proud to be part of our scheme and that our standards remain trusted at home and abroad.

The open recruitment process has brought us a leader who can help us build on our strengths and navigate the challenges ahead for the crops sector. We look forward to working with Julian to champion British farming and deliver value for our members and supply chains.”

I’m honoured to take on this role at such a crucial time for British farming. As a grower myself, I understand first-hand the challenges our sector faces, from evolving market demands to the need for robust, trusted assurance standards. I look forward to working closely with growers and the wider industry to ensure their voices are heard and to help drive positive change. Together, we can continue to uphold the high standards that underpin Red Tractor and deliver value for British farmers and consumers.”

Julian speaking about his appointment