Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Red Tractor Assurance Scheme

Thursday 7 December 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Laurence Robertson inquired about discussions with supermarkets regarding proposed changes to the Red Tractor scheme.
  • The Secretary of State stated that the Government will launch a review of the fresh produce sector to address fairness in the supply chain.
  • The Secretary assured Robertson that supporting British farmers is his top priority and a review will be launched soon to address issues in the horticulture sector.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Robertson Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP inquired about recent discussions between the government and supermarket representatives regarding proposed changes to the Red Tractor assurance scheme.

Question

Whether he has had recent discussions with representatives of supermarkets on their proposed changes to the Red Tractor scheme. I am concerned that without proper oversight, these changes may impact farmers negatively compared to foreign producers who do not adhere to similar standards.

Answer from Steve Barclay

The Red Tractor assurance scheme is independent and its relationship with food retailers is a commercial matter. The Government will launch a review of the fresh produce sector to understand issues relating to fairness in the supply chain, and I can give my hon. Friend a very strong assurance that supporting British farmers is my top priority.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about supermarket practices was not directly addressed with concrete commitments or actions.

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP inquired about recent discussions between the government and supermarket representatives regarding proposed changes to the Red Tractor assurance scheme. He expressed concern that these changes may put British farmers at a disadvantage compared with foreign producers.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. Although farmers want to comply, they are concerned they may be disadvantaged compared with foreign producers who do not work to the same standards. What assurance can he give to British farmers that he will do everything he can to make sure supermarkets do not disadvantage them?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I give my hon. Friend a very strong assurance on that front. Supporting British farmers is my No. 1 priority, and with the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries in the Department who has a lifetime's experience of working as a farmer, we will launch a review soon into fairness in the horticulture supply chain, but if necessary, I will not hesitate to use the powers in the relevant Act to introduce legislation to tackle contractual unfairness wherever it exists.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about concrete steps was partially addressed with general commitments without detailed actions or timelines.

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