Appointment represents first time a farmer has been appointed as chair of Red Tractor operator
Alistair Mackintosh has been appointed as chair of the board of directors at Assured Food Standards (AFS).
Mackintosh is a Cumbrian beef, sheep and arable farmer, and has been serving as interim chair of Red Tractor since 1 July 2024.
The Ownership Body of AFS, which is responsible for the Red Tractor food assurance programme, noted that Mackintosh brings a wealth of experience and continuity to the role.
Under his leadership, the organisation made significant progress in responding to the Campbell Tickell and Farm Assurance Reviews, with key recommendations now actively being adopted, the Ownership Body added.
“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,” it said, adding that his appointment followed a comprehensive and rigorous selection process.
The Ownership Body also announced that it 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.
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 farmers’ 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.”
Mackintosh is the first farmer to be appointed as chair of the AFS board in Red Tractor’s 25-year history. He has a long history of championing the farming industry and has previously served as the NFU’s livestock chairman and as a member of the NFU Council.
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.
