The Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board is seeking views on proposals to introduce tiered welfare standards and labelling for UK pigmeat.
Red Tractor stated that the proposed approach could reduce audit cost and complexity for producers and simplify consumer choice.
The assurance scheme is consulting on a modular approach to welfare standards for the pigs sector – similar to the tiered model introduced for the poultry sector in 2020. The proposed system includes two new voluntary tiers, each with its own dedicated logo:
- Enhanced Welfare: Pork from outdoor-bred or outdoor-reared pigs finished indoors, with more space and a solid, bedded lying area.
- Free Range: Pork from pigs with continuous outdoor access.
The consultation runs from 28th April to 6th June 2025 and is open to all pig producers, industry stakeholders and supply chain customers. The Red Tractor Sector Board will review the feedback at the next meeting on 25th June 2025 and will decide whether to introduce the new modules based on industry feedback.
Included in the consultation are some adjustments to the existing standards. Red Tractor highlighted that these are required to “ensure the equivalence” with other assurance schemes that will deliver the reduced cost and complexity, and to ensure core standards reflect best practice. While the Pig TAC believes that many outdoor and indoor producers already operate at the proposed standards, the consultation will aim to establish precise views.
Expanding the use of these tiers from poultry to pork aims to provide a “clear, trusted guide for shoppers”, reassuring them that Red Tractor-certified pork meets a range of high standards for welfare and distinguishing those that go beyond Red Tractor’s core standards of animal welfare.
“The Pigs Sector Board will only introduce the changes if there is majority support from the UK pig industry.”
Stewart Houston, Red Tractor
Stewart Houston, Red Tractor pigs chairman commented: “For pig producers, their commitment to animal welfare is at the heart of everything they do. The Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board believes the proposed labelling system would provide a clearer, simpler way for our members to communicate and differentiate their welfare standards. It could also enhance consumers’ ability to make informed purchasing decisions by uniting existing tiers within the pork category under a suite of Red Tractor logos.
“The development of the voluntary Enhanced Welfare and Free Range tiers for pork also demonstrates Red Tractor’s swift delivery against the Farm Assurance Review. The proposed system could remove the need for producers to juggle multiple assurance schemes, reducing audit burden and associated costs. Processors could also benefit from lower licence fees and simplified packaging by using a unified Red Tractor logo system.
“Red Tractor is committed to engaging with as many pig members, processors, retailers, vets, and other stakeholders as possible to ensure Red Tractor assurance continues to deliver for them.
“The Pigs Sector Board will only introduce the changes if there is majority support from the UK pig industry. I encourage everyone to share their views and help shape the future of UK pig farming.”
Transitioning to flexible farrowing
Red Tractor highlighted growing momentum within the UK pig sector towards flexible farrowing, with reduced confinement of sows compared with conventional farrowing crates. It said the sector is “keen for this to be industry-led” rather than legislated by Government.
The assurance scheme is considering a new “Certified Standards Plus” tier, with flexible farrowing as the key criteria. It is seeking views from the pig sector on whether such a tier would help support an industry-led transition to flexible farrowing, to avoid conflicting retailer requirements and reduce business uncertainty.
Houston commented: “This approach could demonstrate proactive welfare improvements and potentially reduce the need for heavy-handed legislation, while supporting producers in meeting evolving expectations.
“While this tier is still under development and not expected to launch in the near future without further consideration, Red Tractor is looking for early input from producers to help shape the long-term development of this potential additional voluntary tier.”
