Guy Smith steps down as Red Tractor crops sector chairman

Essex farmer and Farmers Weekly Opinion writer Guy Smith has stepped down from his role at Red Tractor, citing personal reasons.

The former NFU deputy president, from St Osyth, was appointed as combinable crops and sugar beet sector chairman for the farm assurance marque in July 2020.

“I’m leaving for personal reasons,” Mr Smith told Farmers Weekly today (29 April).

See also: What’s in Your Shed? visits NFU deputy president Guy Smith

He spent 18 months in the role after succeeding former chairman Laurence Matthews in November 2020.

A spokesman for Red Tractor said: “It is with regret that we can confirm that Guy Smith has stepped down from his role as crops and sugar beet sector chair and the Assured Food Standards (AFS) Board, with immediate effect.

“Guy has contributed enormously to Red Tractor during one of the most difficult periods facing British agriculture.

“He oversaw the finalisation and implementation of the Version 5 standards, the renewal of Red Tractor’s recognition by the Renewable Energy Directive, and has helped agriculture avoid Defra’s ban on solid urea. His passion and counsel will be missed.

“We wish him all the very best for the future.”

Farming advocate

Mr Smith farms 404ha of combinable crops at Wigboro Wick Farm, St Osyth, west of Clacton-on-Sea.

He 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 previous roles have included serving as NFU deputy president from 2018 to 2020, an NFU governance board member for four years, and an AHDB Crops Board member.

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