The company behind the farmer-backed Red Tractor Assurance scheme has appointed a new chairman.
Former government minister Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe, who grew up on a farm in Wiltshire, has been chosen to head up Assured Food Standards (AFS).
She spent more than 15 years at supermarket giant Tesco, serving on its main board from 2006 to 2013.
Suffolk farmer Andrew Blenkiron, who manages the Euston Estate, continues as vice chairman.
“I have watched the Red Tractor Assurance scheme grow to become a hugely important part of food and agriculture in the UK,” said Baroness Neville-Rolfe. “The Red Tractor logo must remain the mark of quality, safety and traceability. I will use my experience in government and in the private sector to maximise the value of the scheme to producers and consumers.”
On behalf of AFS, National Farmers’ Union director General Terry Jones, said: “Lucy brings a wealth of relevant experience to this role at a crucial time for Red Tractor.
“Moreover, her strong links with the food industry, government and understanding of farming mean that she is uniquely placed to oversee and support the future development of this flagship for British food.”
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