Red Tractor launches fresh produce standards consultation – have your say
Red Tractor has launched its consultation on proposed changes to its farm assurance standards for fresh produce that will affect our horticulture and potatoes members.
Summary
- 10 November 2026: Red Tractor’s fresh produce standards consultation opens – have your say
The changes proposed in the six-week consultation aim to make requirements clearer, reduce unnecessary duplication and strengthen food safety controls.
The proposals also take into account the diverse range of crops and production systems that come under the scheme and the unique risks carried by each.
Growers, customers and representatives from across the supply chain have fed into the proposed changes through Red Tractor’s Fresh Produce TAC (Technical Advisory Committee), Fresh Produce Sector Board and Standards Committee.
The purpose, clarity, crop applicability, food safety value and auditability of each requirement was considered, with a total of 717 standards and audit points covered during the review process.
The consultation closes on 22 December.
“NFU representatives, together with technical experts from across the supply chain, have undertaken a thorough review of the Red Tractor standards to ensure they are practical, proportionate and deliver value for growers.”
NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board Vice-chair Stephen Shields
Understanding the proposals
Key changes involved in the proposals are as follows:
- Creating and consolidating core standards for applicable higher risk crops that can be assessed once across a business.
- Growers of lower risk crops would not be expected to meet all the additional food safety controls for high-risk crops.
- Retaining requirements supporting GLOBALG.A.P. and SAI Platform benchmarking.
Why your feedback matters
Your feedback is crucial in shaping the final standards and will be considered by the TAC and Sector Board before the final standards are agreed.
Now is your chance to scrutinise how the changes would work on your farm and suggest alternatives if the proposals wouldn't work for you or your crop.
Take part
Red Tractor launches fresh produce standards consultation
Red Tractor launches its six-week consultation on proposed changes to fresh produce standards.
NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Vice-chair Stephen Shields said: “NFU representatives, together with technical experts from across the supply chain, have undertaken a thorough review of the Red Tractor standards to ensure they are practical, proportionate and deliver value for growers.
“Throughout this process, we have worked to challenge and scrutinise every requirement, with a clear focus on reducing unnecessary audit burden while maintaining confidence in the scheme. The proposed standards aim to be evidence-based, easier to understand and better aligned with the realities of horticultural and potato businesses.
“I would encourage all Red Tractor members to take part in this consultation. Your feedback is essential to help ensure the standards remain relevant, workable and reflective of the needs of growers across the sector, whilst maintaining the confidence in the standard for our customers and consumers.”
Growers and agronomists are being urged to consider the proposals and whether they would work for their crops and businesses before changes are finalised. Advisers, assessors and businesses are also encouraged to take part.
All responses will be considered before the final standards are agreed.