Cumbrian beef and sheep farmer Alistair Waterproof coat has been appointed as the brand new chair of Crimson Tractor, changing into the primary farmer to carry the function within the assurance scheme’s 25-year historical past..
Mr Waterproof coat has been serving as interim chair of Crimson Tractor since Christine Tacon stepped down from the function in July 2024.
He has beforehand served as NFU’s livestock chairman and as a member of the NFU Council and, prior to his appointment as interim chair, he held the positions of vice chair on the AFS Board and chair of the Crimson Tractor Beef & Lamb Sector Board. Final August he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award on the Cumbrian Farming Awards.
The appointment by the Possession Physique of Assured Meals Requirements (AFS) follows a complete and rigorous choice course of.
In a joint assertion, the Possession Physique stated: “Alistair brings a wealth of expertise and continuity to the function, having served as interim chair throughout a pivotal interval for Crimson Tractor.
“Below his management, the organisation has made vital progress in responding to the Campbell Tickell and Farm Assurance Evaluations, with key suggestions now actively being adopted. His appointment displays the Possession Physique’s confidence in his potential to steer Crimson Tractor ahead with readability, integrity, and a robust dedication to strong assurance requirements.”
The Possession Physique has additionally accepted the Campbell Tickell and Farm Assurance Evaluations’ suggestions that, along with its present obligations in regard to appointment of AFS Board members and chair and adoption of the annual report, the Possession Physique ought to play a extra energetic function. Whereas the AFS Board will retain full accountability for the governance of the organisation, the Possession Physique will assist the Chair because the AFS Board considers the suggestions of each Evaluations.
Mr Waterproof coat stated: “I’m honoured to be appointed Chair of Crimson Tractor, an organisation that I imagine has a central function to play in guaranteeing confidence in British meals and farming.
“I’m completely dedicated to rebuilding farmer’s belief in Crimson Tractor. There’s quite a lot of work to do and I stay up for working with the Possession Physique, AFS Board and Crimson Tractor staff as we proceed to ship the enhancements wanted.”
