From the Interim Chair and CEO
Your September Red Tractor Board update and setting the record straight on activists misinformation
Your latest update on discussions at the Red Tractor Board by Interim Chair, Alistair Mackintosh
Our priority focus continues on improving the experience farmers have during audits, and making standards easier to understand and more transparent.
Audit efficiency is a priority
In my July Board meeting update, I explained the excellent work of our Sector Boards in building a new future for Red Tractor assurance.
Now we’re making progress on improvements to the Portal for farmers and assessors, which will be critical in not only saving time and effort, but also improving rigour.
This work sits alongside developing a new ‘Assurance Hub’. This a digital tool to help members access and filter standards and compliance information relevant to them, and – in the longer term – explain why certain standards exist. The Assurance Hub is being tested with a group of farmer volunteers, and will be launched on our website later this Autumn.
Addressing activist pressure
Last month’s Red Tractor Board agenda was wide-ranging, focusing not just on the above priorities, but also recent activist activity, and our potential role in supporting the export of British-produced food and drink.
With RSPCA Assured currently under scrutiny, the Board discussed the pressures exerted by activists on the farming industry and assurance schemes. The importance of Red Tractor continuing to protect members who adhere to standards was reiterated, as well as maintaining compliance to safeguard the industry’s reputation.
Listening and taking action
Since my appointment, my focus has been on listening to and strengthening our relationships with farmers, growers, and processors. This included attending the NSA Sheep Event, where I talked with fellow sheep producers about the challenges facing the sector, such as ensuring assurance delivers value to sheep farmers when non-retail markets – such as ethnic and export customers – don’t require it. Direct communication with farming bodies in the devolved nations is also critical. I had a positive meeting with the NFU Cymru Welsh Council in September, while my colleague and Dairy Sector Chair Tim Lock reported on his visit to Belfast to meet the Ulster Farmers Union Milk Committee. A recurring theme from all is the need for audit efficiency and value from Red Tractor.
More feedback will be forthcoming from our annual farmer survey, which has been running throughout October, which will offer us valuable insights into improving engagement. If you haven’t already, please take this opportunity to make your feelings known by completing the survey.
We're listening: Click here to complete the Red Tractor survey by Sunday 27 October
Supporting British food exports
Our vision is to be world-leader in food chain assurance at home and abroad. A survey of 4,500 people across nine countries indicates that in many major export markets, consumers appreciate the added reassurance of Red Tractor, particularly where food safety is uncertain and assurance schemes are lacking.
For example, the likelihood to purchase British food increased by 13 percentage points if it had the Red Tractor logo as well as the Union flag. On the back of this, the Board has begun discussions on how Red Tractor could complement and support existing efforts by AHDB and processors in establishing overseas markets for assured British food.
Other news
The Board approved the completion of all actions from the Campbell Tickell Governance Review, including updates to the Risk Register and a Governance Handbook, which is now available to all on our website. This and all our current activity on the future of assurance have been reported to the Commissioners of the farm assurance review, which is expected to report in December.
And finally…
I understand how tough the recent unpredictable and extreme weather has been for everyone in the farming community, with Bluetongue adding extra stress and uncertainty.
As we move into autumn, I sincerely hope the impacts on your business are minimal. Rest assured, we’ll keep you updated on Red Tractor’s efforts and initiatives to support you during these challenging times.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the team on memberhelp@redtractor.org.uk.
Best wishes,
Alistair Mackintosh,
Red Tractor Interim Chair
The Social Market Foundation should leave their desks and visit a farm - they might be pleasantly surprised to see what they find.
These are the thoughts of Red Tractor CEO Jim Moseley in his latest blog addressing some of the claims made about Red Tractor recently.
A recent report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) on animal welfare inspections included a lot of misinformation about animal welfare and assurance in this country,
Jim has robustly challenged the claims.
Read more on our website.
