Improving the Pigs Scheme
Share your feedback on priorities for technical improvements in the pigs sector
In 2026, Red Tractor will consult on proposals to improve its farm-facing standards. The aim is to streamline assessments, support the reduction of audit burden, and ensure standards remain relevant to the farming sectors they support.
The Pigs Sector Board — made up of producers, processors, vets, and retailers — has collaboratively identified objectives and priorities for improving the Pigs Scheme. These priorities will be reviewed regularly to reflect the evolving needs of the sector.
As a first step, all stakeholders are invited to share feedback on these objectives and existing standards until 1 February 2026.
Next steps
The Pigs Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), comprised of sector experts, will develop detailed recommendations to revise the Pigs Standards and Scheme in line with these objectives.
- 2026: Proposed updates shared for stakeholder comment
- 2027: Implementation of improvements following UKAS approval
This work will be delivered alongside Red Tractor-wide operational improvements, such as assessor training and improved use of technology and communications.
Objectives for pigs
The Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board has identified the following priorities:
- Maintain a community of trusted producers
- Keep farms aligned with evolving regulations and support future planning
- Develop meaningful standards that reflect customer and consumer expectations, especially around welfare
- Protect industry reputation with new approaches that complement existing strengths
- Reduce audit burden and reward compliance
- Provide modular audit options
- Avoid mission creep by keeping standards focused and relevant
- Maintain a positive relationship with grassroots producers, especially in Bed & Breakfast farm models.
Priority actions (2026 Review)
To deliver these objectives, the Sector Board and TAC, will:
- Finalise and launch the Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred module for pig producers
- Agree long-term aspirations on key topics (e.g. farrowing, stocking, slurry management & sustainability, welfare outcome assessment)
- Review existing standard content to capture rationale and identify appropriate level of review required
- Trial the use of digital Quarterly Vet Reviews to improve efficiency and data availability.
Longer term focus
Between 2027 and 2030:
- Refresh standards based on sector needs
- Develop and integrate outcome measures
- Explore how farm profiling can inform risk management
- Transition a more risk-based assessment delivery model
- Explore opportunities to increase modular options based upon stakeholder priorities e.g. environment, indoor enhanced welfare
Longer term, the Pigs Sector Board will explore:
- Technological solutions such as live monitoring and AI
Pigs Sector Chair, Stewart Houston explains the priorities for the sector
Share feedback
Please use the form below to share feedback on the objectives and priorities outlined above.
We’d also appreciate any specific feedback on the existing Pigs Standards, such as audit points for review or requirements that need to be updated.
Please make feedback as specific as possible explaining the reasons for your recommendations.
The opportunity to feedback closes at midnight on 1 February 2026. There will be further opportunities
Pigs Standards
View documents for existing standards
Prefer to send an email?
Email enquiries@redtractor.org.uk including the details above and which sector(s) your feedback relates to.
Read more about how Red Tractor is improving farm standards and audits
Who sits on the Red Tractor Pigs Board?
- Stewart Houston – Chair
- Grace O’Gorman – TAC Chair
- Lizzie Wilson – NPA
- Stephen Waites – Processor
- William de Klein – Processor
- Jack Davis – Retailer
- Michael Putt – Pig Veterinary Society
- Mark Haighton – AHDB Pork
- Muhamed Maliki deputising for Heidi Decker Wojung – Processor
- Pig Producer Reps (indoor and outdoor) – x 6 (including 1 x NPA rep and 1x UFU rep)*
*Names of producer reps are not published due to safety concerns