A FARMING organisation has appointed a new combinable crops and sugar beet sector chairman.

Guy Smith, former NFU deputy president, will join Red Tractor by succeeding former chairman, Laurence Matthews, in November.

Guy has decades of experience as an advocate and leader in the British agricultural industry, and a background in practical farm business management and award-winning conservation.

His roles have included serving as an NFU governance board member and an AHDB crops board member.

“I’m delighted to join Red Tractor at such a critical time for British Agriculture,” said Guy.

“I have been Red Tractor Assured since its inception 20 years ago.

“Their standards have been developed over two decades and are the bedrock of our industry.

“We must continue to protect and defend these standards, and work to win the hearts and minds of government, consumers and the industry so we don’t witness an influx of imported food produced to standards that are lower than the UK.”

Red Tractor is the UK’s largest food standards scheme, covering animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental protection.

Working with experts in their fields, the programme ensures that families across Britain have access to safe, quality food that has been grown and reared in the UK.

“British Agriculture is facing some of the greatest challenges of a lifetime,” said Jim Moseley, Red Tractor CEO.

“We must show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.

“I’m sure that Guy’s experience and skills will help us navigate through this time.”