Red Tractor appoints new combinable crop sector chairman

A new combinable crops and sugar beet sector chairman has been appointed by Red Tractor, following the resignation of Guy Smith in the spring.

Kit Papworth, who will take up the role in September, is a Norfolk-based award-winning grower of feed and seed wheat, malting barley, and sugar beet. He also grows oilseed rape, vining peas and potatoes.

See also: Guy Smith steps down as Red Tractor crops sector chairman

Mr Papworth said he was excited to be appointed to the role at such a challenging time for British agriculture, and acknowledged that there were strong views among farmers about assurance schemes and auditing.

“Crop assurance is vital to the entire food chain,” he said. “I look forward to working with customers to understand their requirements, both now and in the future.

“I am keen to discuss the issues around equivalence to imported grains and to explore how inspection can be made less challenging for growers.”

Mr Papworth has held a number of chairman and board roles within the agricultural sector, and has extensive experience as a leader.

Red Tractor CEO Jim Moseley said: “Kit has a proven track record for delivering as a farm business and working at board level.

“He understands the challenges British agriculture is facing and I’m sure that his leadership will be a huge asset in helping Red Tractor continue to protect the integrity of the food chain and British farming standards.”