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Stewart Houston appointed as Red Tractor pig sector chair

6th Dec 2019 / By Alistair Driver

Former NPA chairman and executive director Stewart Houston has been appointed as Red Tractor’s new Pig Sector Committee Chair and Board Director.

SH speechStewart, who has vast experience across the pig industry and in Government-industry policy roles, replaces Mike Sheldon, who stepped down from the role in November.

He will join in the New Year, taking responsibility for leading the development of the Red Tractor Assurance Pigs scheme and its standards. The role is part-time and can be held for two three-year terms. 

Stewart is a non-exec member of Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Board and is the board lead for the Livestock Information Service and EU animal Health law. He has previously served as a non-exec board member for the Food Standards Agency, chair of the British Pig Executive and an AHDB Board Member, on top of a long association with the NPA, which dates back to its formation 20 years ago.

Jim Moseley, Red Tractor CEO said: “As the UK enters into this unprecedented period of uncertainty, there has never been a more important time for Red Tractor to demonstrate strong industry leadership in pigs, as the UK’s largest food assurance scheme.

“I’m confident that under Stewart’s stewardship we will continue to strengthen our position as a progressive and critical body within the food and drink industry.”

“I would like to thank Mike for all his leadership and his dedicated service over the years at the start of Red Tractor’s journey 20 years ago and then as chair of the Pig Sector. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Stewart said: “I’m delighted to join Red Tractor at such a critical time for British Agriculture. Our high standards are the bedrock of our industry and we must continue to work to win the hearts and minds of government, consumers and the industry so that don’t witness an influx of imported food produced to lower standards that is required of farmers in the UK.”

NPA reaction

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies welcomed Stewart's appointment. "Stewart has had a long association with the NPA and has vast experience across the pig industry.

"We look forward to working constructively with Stewart at this pivotal time for the pig industry and Red Tractor."