Red Tractor appoints new vice chair
Cumbrian beef and sheep farmer Alistair Mackintosh has been appointed as the new vice chair of food assurance scheme Red Tractor.
In addition to roles as chair of the National NFU Livestock Board and vice chair of the European farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca, for the last five years Mackintosh has held the position of Red Tractor sector chair for the beef and lamb board.
Red Tractor said that, during his tenure, Alistair Mackintosh has been “instrumental in addressing key issues in his sector” such as driving up improved animal welfare outcomes with the establishment of annual vet visits to improve the working relationship between vets and members, introducing recommendations for medicine training and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.
Alongside supporting and deputising for the chair, Mackintosh will be responsible for chairing the Standards Committee which oversees and recommends policies and actions on technical aspects of Red Tractor’s operations that affect all sectors.
When fellow farmer Andrew Blenkiron’s second term comes to an end after almost eight years, Mackintosh will formally take up his new position in November.
“We must show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain”
Red Tractor chair Christine Tacon said: “I am delighted that Alistair will become Red Tractor’s next vice chair. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be a considerable asset as we navigate the significant challenges our industry faces posed by climate change, international trade agreements, shifting public attitudes and the supply chain shortages.”
She continued: “Findings from our Trust in Food Index have revealed how the public feels about the food they eat. This independent research found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor. If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.”
Tacon added that she would like to thank Andrew Blenkiron for “his leadership and years of dedicated service to Red Tractor”. The chair said that she was grateful for the support and guidance that Blenkiron has given her since her appointment in January and wished him all the best for the future.
The recruitment process for the beef and lamb sector board chair will begin later in the year.
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