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Red Tractor interim chair Alistair Mackintosh said his focus was on improving farmers trust in Red Tractor, through 'greater transparency and increasing audit efficiency.'

The German retailer said the funding was part of its commitment to 'champion' British quality beef and enhance the range of beef to customers

Dr David Llewellyn, the review's lead commissioner said: "We are seeking further views to inform the review, and this is the opportunity for the supply chain to tell us their experiences of farm assurance. This is so that we hear directly from the food industry community on this important topic"

The independent review of the UK farm assurance is expected to publish its findings at the end of this year

'When facing a challenge, it is helpful to look back and review what happened at the start'

Cumbrian farmer Alistair Mackintosh has taken over the role of Red Tractor chair from Christine Tacon, who stepped down to 'avoid perceived conflicts' following her appointment to the Co-op board

With the recent announcement of its ‘Farming for Nature’ programme, Íæż½ã½ã's chief reporter Rachael Brown spoke to Waitrose’s Jake Pickering about the retailer’s relationship with farmers

Commissioners include Dr Llewellyn, the former vice-chancellor of Harper Adams University, James Withers, ex chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, Mark Suthern, the chair of Trustees of the Farming Community Network, and a fourth Commissioner whose appointment is in progress

Speaking at the Pig and Poultry fair Red Tractor's head of operations, Philippa Wiltshire, stressed lessons were being learned, especially in areas important to farmers — ‘value, audit efficiency and transparency'