Pigs Standards and Labelling Proposals Consultation
Red Tractor seeks views on tiered welfare standards and labelling proposals for UK pig producers
At the request of industry, the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board is seeking views on proposals to introduce tiered welfare standards and labelling for UK pigmeat. Developed by the RT Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), the proposed approach could reduce audit cost and complexity for producers and simplify consumer choice.
We’re inviting you to play a key role in shaping the future of pig production standards and labelling in the UK.
Why we’re consulting
Over the past few years, producers and industry stakeholders have consistently raised concerns about audit burden, financial pressures, and a lack of clarity around future standards. In response, Red Tractor’s Pigs Sector Board has been working on practical, industry-led proposals to address these challenges head-on.
One of the core proposals is the introduction of tiered welfare standards and on-pack labelling, a model already in place in our Poultry Scheme. These changes are designed to reduce audit duplication, provide greater transparency for consumers, and support producers with more flexibility and clearer choices.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING YOUR VIEWS ON
- Introducing Enhanced Welfare and Free Range modules into our Pigs Scheme, along with on-pack logos, to reduce audit duplication and help consumers make informed choices.
- Exploring how Red Tractor can support a phased transition away from conventional farrowing crates, in line with practical, financial, and legislative considerations. Potentially through the introduction of a new tier to formally recognise the use of flexible farrowing in indoor systems.
- Included in the consultation are some adjustments to the existing standards. 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.
HAVE YOUR SAY
The consultation is open until 6 June 2025. It is open to all pig producers, industry stakeholders, and supply chain customers.
Watch our recent webinar to find out more
All you need to know about the proposals
The proposed changes to core Certified Standards
The proposed Enhanced Welfare and Free Range standards
Read the consultation questions before letting us know what you think
“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.
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.”
Stewart Houston, Chair, Red Tractor Pig Sector Board