Following requests from the industry, the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board is seeking views on proposals to introduce tiered welfare standards and labelling.
According to the organisation, the approach could reduce audit costs and complexity, as well as simplify consumer choice.
The modular approach would be similar to that introduced for poultry producers in 2020, with two voluntary tiers:
- 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 will also include adjustments to existing standards, required to ensure equivalence with other assurance schemes.
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.”
Supporting flexible farrowing
The industry is also keen to follow industry-led initiatives for flexible farrowing, rather than have it legislated.
Red Tractor is therefore considering a new Certified Standards Plus tier, with flexible farrowing as key criteria. It is seeking views as to whether this would help support the transition.
Stewart Houston adds: “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.”
Producers can respond to the consultation via the Red Tractor website, which runs until the 6th of June.