Cumbrian beef, sheep and arable farmer Alistair Mackintosh has been appointed as the new chair of Red Tractor, becoming the first farmer to hold the role in the assurance scheme’s 25-year history.
Mr Mackintosh has been serving as interim chair of Red Tractor since Christine Tacon stepped down from the role in July 2024.
He has previously served as NFU’s livestock chairman and as a member of the NFU Council and, prior to his appointment as interim chair, he held the positions of vice chair on the AFS Board and chair of the Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Sector Board. Last August he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cumbrian Farming Awards.
The appointment by the Ownership Body of Assured Food Standards (AFS) follows a comprehensive and rigorous selection process.
In a joint statement, the Ownership Body said: “Alistair brings a wealth of experience and continuity to the role, having served as interim chair during a pivotal period for Red Tractor.
“Under his leadership, the organisation has made significant progress in responding to the Campbell Tickell and Farm Assurance Reviews, with key recommendations now actively being adopted. His appointment reflects the Ownership Body’s confidence in his ability to lead Red Tractor forward with clarity, integrity, and a strong commitment to robust assurance standards.”
The Ownership Body has also accepted the Campbell Tickell and Farm Assurance Reviews’ recommendations that, in addition to its current responsibilities in regard to appointment of AFS Board members and chair and adoption of the annual report, the Ownership Body should play a more active role. While the AFS Board will retain full responsibility for the governance of the organisation, the Ownership Body will support the Chair as the AFS Board considers the recommendations of both Reviews.
Mr Mackintosh said: “I am honoured to be appointed Chair of Red Tractor, an organisation that I believe has a central role to play in ensuring confidence in British food and farming.
“I am totally committed to rebuilding farmer’s trust in Red Tractor. There’s a great deal of work to do and I look forward to working with the Ownership Body, AFS Board and Red Tractor team as we continue to deliver the improvements needed.”