Dear Members,
Red Tractor’s Pigs Sector Board met on 5th November 2025 for a constructive meeting in which we discussed and tackled some important issues for the pigs sector. As always there were contributions from everyone in the room including producers, processors, the NPA and UFU, and our retailer representative. We were also joined by Duncan Berkshire from the Pig Veterinary Society (PVS).
Animal welfare exposes
The Board discussed the increasing pressure on the pigs industry created by animal welfare activists, and the risks of further media exposes.
It was agreed that Red Tractor has an important role in upholding standards in British pig production and the reputation of the industry. The Board agreed that compliance with Red Tractor standards is the best defence against exposes and welcomed the work that Red Tractor is doing with the NPA and others to raise awareness of the need for compliance.
Red Tractor staff explained the process for dealing with reports of mistreatment of animals, following a proportionate, fair and consistent approach, first investigating and then ensuring standards are upheld. In many cases Red Tractor is able to rule out animal welfare abuses. Between mid-August and mid-October there were 12 reports of animal welfare concerns involving pig producers – three have resulted in suspensions, one of which lasted less than 24 hours.
Red Tractor is working with certification bodies and others to ensure resources and processes are in place to respond as quickly as possible in a scenario of multiple simultaneous suspensions. The Board understands the damaging impacts that the suspension of Red Tractor certification can have on animal welfare and businesses. Red Tractor always aims to work with producers to lift suspensions as quickly as possible while ensuring the confidence of customers.
Manual blunt force trauma
Duncan Berkshire from PVS and Chair of the Pig Health and Welfare Council presented to the Pigs Board on the complex legislative landscape surrounding the use of manual blunt force trauma. Conflicts between primary and tertiary legislation, together with a change in Defra’s definition of ‘emergency’ euthanasia, are creating confusion amongst producers. Having examined the legislation, the Pigs Sector Board agreed that overall the legislation requires pig producers to use mechanical methods of euthanasia, except in exceptional emergencies.
The Board discussed the implications and the need for Red Tractor’s requirements to ensure standards keep pace with legislation. It also recognised, in the context of animal welfare exposes, the need for Red Tractor to play a role in upholding the reputation of the industry by moving away from manual blunt force trauma.
As a result, the Board unanimously agreed to include guidance on acceptable methods of euthanasia in Red Tractor’s pigs standards. More details on this guidance will be shared with pigs members as soon as possible.
Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred
The Board reviewed the communications plan and proposed labelling for the new Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred module to be introduced for the pigs sector at the request of industry. Further details will be communicated to all members and stakeholders in December, with the opportunity to transition to the module from 31 January 2026.
Alternative farrowing
Further to previous discussions on the need for an enhanced welfare offer for indoor bred pigs, and ongoing stakeholder and media interest in farrowing, the Board agreed that the Pigs Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) should develop options for an industry approach to more flexible farrowing. A proposal will be presented at the next Sector Board meeting.
Sector Strategy
As part of Red Tractor’s commitment to tangible improvements for farmers, in 2026 TACs, Sector Boards and technical teams will review all farm standards. The Pigs Board has developed a strategy for the pigs sector which prioritises ensuring ongoing market access, enhanced welfare, reduced audit burden and builds a more connected community. As part of the longer-term strategy there was a positive discussion about how the Pigs Board can support the industry on environmental issues, in particular water pollution, working with AHDB and NPA. More details will be published in December with opportunities for stakeholder feedback.
25-years of Red Tractor
The meeting concluded with a round-up of Red Tractor’s marketing and PR campaign to raise awareness of the Red Tractor logo amongst shoppers. Communications included a collaboration with TV presenter, Angellica Bell.
As always, please do reach out to the Red Tractor team or a member of the Pigs Board if you have any questions on anything discussed during the meeting.
Kind Regards
Stewart Houston
Chair, Pigs Sector Board
Members of the Pigs Sector Board
Stewart Houston – Chair
Grace O’Gorman – TAC Chair
Lizzie Wilson – NPA
Ash Gilman – 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
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