Red Tractor has responded to the Farm Assurance Review with a statement from its board of directors,
The board, comprised of farmers, NFU, AHDB, retailers, processors and independent experts, welcomed 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” and committed to a wide-ranging series of improvements.
The response covers each of the nine strategic recommendations and outlines actions it will take towards a further 56 detailed recommendations.
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 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 commented: “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.”
The organisation has now begun to streamline standards, improve audit efficiency and embrace new technology, which it believes will reduce the burden on farmers.
Efforts are also been made to improve how it communicates.
The board has also welcomed the appointment of lead commissioner Dr David Llewellyn to monitor delivery against the recommendations You can read the full response here.