A Devon beef and lamb farmer has been named as the new chair of the Red Tractor Beef and Lamb board.

John Dracup has more than 30 years' experience as an advocate and leader in British agriculture and the food processing industry.

In addition to running a successful beef and lamb family farming business in Devon, he has experience in pioneering electronic auctions and managing one of the largest beef and lamb processors’ livestock divisions, while continuing to be the strategy director for The Royal Smithfield Club.

Jim Moseley, Red Tractor’s chief executive, said: “British agriculture is facing some of the greatest challenges of a lifetime.

"John’s extensive experience in food and farming will be a huge asset to the Beef and Lamb board, so that we can continue to deliver a scheme which reflects the diverse demands of the sector.

“Findings from our Trust in Food Index has found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor.

“If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British farming standards.”

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

John said: “I’m delighted to join Red Tractor at such a critical time for British agriculture.

"I am passionate about the British food and farming industry and the need to maintain its position and reputation for supplying quality products with integrity.

“We need to ensure a continued focus on providing added value through the scheme, delivering an effective and robust assurance scheme to underpin the fantastic reputation of British beef and lamb.”

He will formally take up his new position in March, which became vacant after fellow beef and lamb farmer Alistair Mackintosh was appointed Red Tractor’s vice chair at the end of last year.

access to safe, quality food that has been grown and reared in the UK to rigorous farming standards.