Pigs Standards and labelling proposals consultation
Update July 15: A sector-wide consultation
Throughout the consultation we had comprehensive stakeholder engagement, with 122 responses representing a broad cross-section of the pig industry. Half of the pig producers that responded indicated they manage fewer than 1000 sows. Together, respondents represented an estimated 225,000 sows, around 90% of the English sow herd, providing a powerful snapshot of how our proposals are viewed by the people who matter.
Clear support for outdoor-focused modules
One of the key themes that emerged was strong support for recognising outdoor production systems: outdoor-bred pigs with straw-based or free-range finishing.
57% of outdoor producers supported the idea of Red Tractor developing tiered standards and labelling for outdoor modules.
Tiered standards and labelling were also supported by 45% of all respondents, including most industry organisations, retailers and integrators.
As a result, the Red Tractor Pigs Board has agreed to move forward with creating new outdoor modules and logos, aiming to make these available by the end of the year. These will provide opportunity for farmers to reduce the burden of multiple assurance schemes and clearer labelling for consumers.
The proposed standards for these modules received good support so most will be adopted. Red Tractor will support their uptake with guidance to both producers and assessors.
A label that reflects outdoor-focused modules
The proposed ‘Enhanced Welfare’ logo raised important questions, particularly around whether the label should reflect the method of production.
59% of respondents, including 72% of producers, felt the Enhanced Welfare tier should not include indoor systems such as indoor free farrowing.
Many stressed the importance of clear, transparent labelling that doesn’t risk confusing consumers or undermining the unique value of outdoor systems, or indeed the core Red Tractor logo.
As a result of this feedback, Red Tractor will conduct further research into more labelling options, exploring ideas like a more explicit “Outdoor Bred” label, while also balancing views with consumer insight and our existing labelling system.
Farrowing – looking ahead
The future of farrowing systems was another key focus of our consultation. While some producers are considering future alternatives to conventional crates, many are not ready to make changes just yet.
Reassuringly, 75% of producers said they are not planning to install new or second-hand conventional crates, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to alternatives. But around half of pig producers said their existing farrowing equipment is over 20 years old, highlighting the need for support to invest in acceptable replacement systems.
62% of producers told us Red Tractor should not yet set a cut-off date for the use of conventional crates.
Producers were split on whether Red Tractor should publish standards for flexible farrowing with 48% saying we should do this as soon as possible to provide clarity, while just under half said we should wait.
We also heard a strong call for flexibility, with many supporting the idea of ‘grandfather rights’ for early adopters of new systems if future requirements change.
Indoor modules? Not yet…
While there was interest in recognising higher welfare indoor systems (such as flexible farrowing), support was more limited:
Only 35% supported developing an indoor-focused “Certified Standards Plus” module.
Among producers, this dropped to 28%.
We heard clearly that the time isn’t right for this. The Board has therefore paused work on indoor-focused modules but will continue to explore ways to support producers transitioning to alternative systems.
Standards that are clear, practical, and aligned
We also consulted on updates to our core standards. These changes are designed to align Red Tractor with other schemes to help reduce the audit burden on farms. Most proposals received good support. Thanks to helpful feedback, some proposed standards have been clarified or adjusted to ensure they are practical and clear.
What happens next?
We want to thank everyone who took the time to respond and share their views. Your input is shaping how we move forward, making sure Red Tractor’s standards continue to evolve in a way that’s fair, practical, and reflective of the whole supply chain.
Next, we’ll:
- Finalise development of the outdoor-focused modules
- Continue research on labelling and transition options
- Keep working with stakeholders on the future of farrowing
- Refine and publish updates to the Core standards
We’re committed to providing regular, transparent updates on progress as this work moves forward so look out for further news and developments in the coming months.
