The Red Tractor’s Pigs Sector Board has launched a consultation seeking views on proposals to introduce a tiered system of welfare standards and labelling for UK pig meat. This approach aims to simplify consumer choice, reduce audit costs, and lessen complexity for producers. The proposed system is modelled on the tiered framework previously introduced for the poultry sector in 2020.

Under the new modular approach, two voluntary tiers would be introduced, each with a distinct logo for clear identification. The first tier, “Enhanced Welfare,” would cover pork derived from pigs bred outdoors or reared outdoors but finished indoors, with requirements for more space and solid, bedded lying areas. The second tier, “Free Range,” would apply to pork from pigs that have continuous outdoor access. Alongside these new tiers, some adjustments to existing Red Tractor standards are also proposed to ensure equivalence with other assurance schemes, reduce complexity, and uphold best practice.

Stewart Houston, chairman of Red Tractor’s Pigs Sector Board, emphasised that the proposed labelling system seeks to offer pig producers a clearer and simpler way to communicate their welfare standards. Speaking to Farmers Guide, Mr Houston said: “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.”

He added that this initiative could foster better-informed consumer purchasing decisions by uniting existing welfare tiers within pork under a suite of Red Tractor logos. Mr Houston also highlighted the potential benefits for producers and processors: “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.” He encouraged broad engagement within the pig industry to ensure majority support before any changes are introduced.

The consultation comes amid growing momentum within the UK pig sector towards flexible farrowing systems with reduced confinement of sows, as an alternative to conventional farrowing crates. The sector prefers this change to be industry-led rather than imposed by government legislation. In response, Red Tractor is considering the introduction of an additional voluntary tier, tentatively called ‘Certified Standards Plus,’ with flexible farrowing as a key criterion. This new tier aims to support the industry-led transition and reduce the risk of conflicting retailer requirements. Mr Houston noted, “This approach could demonstrate proactive welfare improvements and potentially reduce the need for heavy-handed legislation, while supporting producers in meeting evolving expectations.” However, he cautioned that this tier is still under development and not expected to launch soon without further consultation.

Red Tractor’s tiered labelling system is supported by extensive UK and international consumer research. A recent study involving more than 3,000 UK shoppers indicated strong recognition and understanding of the proposed tiered logos, bolstered by Red Tractor’s status as the UK’s most trusted food assurance mark. The proposed logos also maintain consistency across pork and poultry categories, helping consumers navigate choices confidently and reducing confusion from overlapping assurance claims.

In summary, the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board’s consultation proposes a tiered welfare and labelling system intended to clarify pig meat standards, streamline assurance schemes, and assist the pig sector as it adapts to evolving welfare practices and consumer expectations across the UK.