The UK farming industry is uniting to support Red Tractor Week today as an autumn campaign dedicated to promoting Great British food gets underway.
Now in its fifth year, Red Tractor Week (12 to 18 September) includes a huge programme of activity designed to promote the provenance of Red Tractor food to shoppers and remind them of the stringent standards that are used to produce them.
Farmers will be taking part in events at major supermarkets up and down the country to talk to the public about how British food is produced, backed up by a huge on-pack sticker promotion.
This year the event kick starts the Celebrate Great British Food campaign which runs throughout the autumn.
Announced in April – and backed by UK Government – the programme of activity sees a whole range of farming organisations coming together with a clear message to consumers to look for the Red Tractor logo when they buy their food.
Events include the NFU’s Back British Farming Day on Wednesday 14 September, and British Food Fortnight, which starts on 17 September.
British food - world renowned
Defra Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsom MP, said: "Whether it’s beef from the hills and pastures of the West Country or Yorkshire’s famed Wensleydale cheese, British food is renowned around the globe for its quality, innovation and tradition.
"The Red Tractor logo is an iconic symbol of this – assuring shoppers that their food is traceable, safe to eat and produced responsibly.
"It is wonderful to see our world-leading food and farming industry joining forces to encourage everyone to shop smart and support British farmers."
The campaign sees the farming industry uniting in a concerted effort to educate consumers and raise the profile of British food.
Minette Batters, Deputy President of the NFU added: "With the help of our members we’ll be flying the flag for the British farmers and growers.
"They produce the raw ingredients that are the bedrock of the food and drink industry – the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – worth £108 billion and employing 1 in 8 people across the country, in cities and villages alike.
"We’ll be inviting MPs to show their support by signing our post-EU referendum pledge and wearing a special edition Back British Farming pin when they take part in that day’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs)."
Mobilisation of farming organisations
The NFU and Ladies in Pigs have mobilised their members to ensure a strong presence at in-store retailer events up and down the country during Red Tractor Week.
While the AHDB will feature the on-pack sticker promotion in television advertising during its four-week beef and lamb mini-roast campaign, starting in mid-October.
Further support is being provided by the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, National Pig Association, Ladies in Beef and the National Sheep Association.
Andrew Blenkiron, Suffolk farmer and vice-chairman of Assured Food Standards, said: "Everyone has played their part to make sure that the farming industry is united behind a single, simple message to consumer which is to support Red Tractor food.
"This autumn’s coordinated campaign of consumer activity gives the farming and food industry a huge opportunity to communicate the values of British food.
"People will be able to get an even better understanding of the great standards that British farming adheres to, further increasing consumer loyalty and purchasing of Red Tractor labelled products."
Farmers are encouraged to get involved in events running throughout the week at major supermarket stores across the UK, where farmers will be talking to shoppers about Red Tractor and what it means.
