Red Tractor Seeks Feedback on Welfare Standards Changes

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Red Tractor Launches Consultation on Tiered Welfare Standards for UK Pork

Red Tractor, the UK’s leading food assurance scheme, has opened a six-week consultation to gather feedback from pig producers on a proposed tiered welfare labelling system for UK pigmeat. The initiative aims to improve transparency for consumers, reduce audit burdens for farmers, and raise awareness of higher-welfare pork production.

Proposed Welfare Tiers for UK Pigmeat

Building on the success of the poultry tiering system introduced in 2020, Red Tractor’s new proposal introduces two voluntary welfare tiers for the British pig sector:

  • Enhanced Welfare Tier: Covers pork from pigs that are either outdoor-bred or outdoor-reared, and finished indoors with extra space and a solid, bedded lying area.

  • Free Range Tier: Applies to pork from pigs with continuous outdoor access throughout their lives.

Each tier will feature its own distinct Red Tractor label, helping consumers easily identify different welfare standards while maintaining the integrity of the core Red Tractor assurance.

Updates to Existing Standards

Alongside the new tiers, Red Tractor is also proposing minor updates to current pig welfare standards. These adjustments aim to align the scheme with other assurance programmes and reflect industry best practices. Changes will only be implemented with the support of the UK pig farming community.

Industry Backing and Long-Term Vision

Stewart Houston, Chair of the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board, emphasised the benefits of the proposed tiered labelling system:

“This would offer a clearer, simpler way for members to communicate their welfare credentials. It empowers consumers to make more informed buying decisions and aligns existing pork welfare tiers under the Red Tractor brand.”

Houston highlighted that many pig producers already meet these proposed standards. The new labelling structure would help streamline compliance, reducing costs associated with audits and licensing.

Looking ahead, Red Tractor is also considering a ‘Certified Standards Plus’ tier focused on flexible farrowing systems, which provide reduced confinement for sows. This forward-thinking tier would allow the industry to proactively improve animal welfare without the need for restrictive legislation.

“This approach shows industry leadership, offering practical solutions that keep pace with evolving market expectations and societal concerns,” Houston added.

Original source: Farming UK

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