Red Tractor’s new chairman vows to rebuild farmer trust

Red Tractor’s new chairman, Alistair Mackintosh, has vowed to rebuild farmer trust, ease audit pressures, and improve communication at a time of significant scrutiny for the UK’s most widely used farm assurance scheme.

Mr Mackintosh’s appointment was confirmed by ownership body Assured Food Standards (AFS) on 23 May, following his tenure as interim chairman since July 2024.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, the Cumbrian beef, sheep and arable farmer admitted Red Tractor had lost farmer support and made serious mistakes, including the poorly handled rollout of the now-scrapped environmental bolt-on module, the Greener Farms Commitment (GFC).

See also: Red Tractor pledges major reform after farmer backlash

“We definitely did make mistakes. We didn’t consult properly with the wider industry. Farmers felt it was being forced on them without adding value. We hold our hands up,” he said.

Mr Mackintosh was vice-chairman of the organisation at the time of the GFC debacle and conceded that better engagement should have been a priority.

“It went through the board structure, and now we’re asking if that structure is even fit for purpose. That’s on the agenda for the next board meetings in July.”

He confirmed that no replacement for the GFC is currently in development, adding that any future environmental standards would only be introduced “at the request of the whole industry” and must demonstrate value to farmers.

Red Tractor is undergoing a major overhaul in response to the Farm Assurance Review, which was triggered by widespread farmer backlash to the poorly handled rollout of the Greener Farms Commitment (GFC).

Led by Professor David Llewellyn, the review identified shortcomings in farmer representation, burdensome audits, and inadequate communication.

In response, Red Tractor has committed to strengthening governance, improving farmer engagement, and simplifying inspections through greater use of technology.

Cutting audit fatigue

A key concern among farmers is the weight of inspections and compliance duplication. Mr Mackintosh says he recognises the burden.

“We need to refocus on ensuring there is no duplication,” he said. “Where there are opportunities to streamline or combine inspections, we must take them.

“This is particularly relevant in the fresh produce sector, where there’s real opportunity to simplify the process.”

He noted that progress is being made in using technology, such as improving the Red Tractor Portal, to reduce the stress and workload associated with audits.

“We’re also looking at rewarding good compliance. I know what it’s like as a farmer to be audited – it’s stressful. And we must do everything we can to reduce that stress.”

Mr Mackintosh recognises greater financial transparency within Red Tractor and how members’ money is spent is necessary.

For example, he pointed out that only a fraction of what farmers pay for inspections – just £49 of a typical £300 beef and lamb audit – goes to Red Tractor itself, with the rest covering auditor costs.

Vision and value

Addressing farmer concerns that Red Tractor offers little added value, Mr Mackintosh was firm in his defence of the scheme.

“Red Tractor standards are second to none. They deliver confidence to retailers and consumers at the highest level. That’s why it matters,” he said.

However, he acknowledged the need for clearer communication. “We’ve appointed a new head of communications and doubled our comms budget. We want farmers to know what’s happening and why.”

He added: “My phone is always switched on. I’m always keen to go out and talk to farmers.

“I’m going to the Cereals Event in a fortnight’s time, so I’ll certainly be getting told what the problems are in the cereals sector. I’ll also be answering questions on a Farmers Weekly panel.”

Governance review

In light of the Campbell Tickell review of Red Tractor governance, Mr Mackintosh said changes are already underway.

“We’ve got 23 farmers on six sector boards – more than any other stakeholder group. But we are reviewing board structures, setting up focus groups, and making sure that representation is meaningful.”

Asked about concerns of conflict of interest between board members and large agribusinesses, Mr Mackintosh said: “Conflicts are declared at every meeting. If one arises, we make a decision on that basis.”

Collaboration

On accusations that Red Tractor has become a “monopoly”, Mr Mackintosh pointed to efforts to collaborate with other schemes.

“We’ve written to all the other assurance bodies offering to work together and reduce duplication. That’s going to be an ongoing process,” he said.

As for competing with schemes like Ireland’s green-label beef or navigating imported grain standards, he said Red Tractor is ready to support initiatives led by the AHDB, where appropriate.

Looking ahead

And his priority for the next six months? “Rebuilding trust. That means being more transparent, improving communication, and making audits less stressful.

“I want to hear directly from farmers, and I’ll be out there doing just that.”

Red Tractor represents over 42,000 farmers, covering 75% of UK agricultural output. Its standards, in place for over 20 years, cover 95% of poultry and 90% of pork, offering assurance well above legal requirements.

Trusted by three-quarters of UK consumers, the Red Tractor logo appears on £17bn worth of British food and drink annually.