Red Tractor Seeks Feedback on Welfare Standards Changes
Red Tractor Seeks Feedback on New Welfare Standards for UK Pigmeat
Red Tractor has launched a six-week consultation inviting pig producers to provide feedback on new proposals aimed at introducing a tiered approach to welfare standards and labelling for UK pigmeat. This initiative seeks to reduce audit burdens, improve consumer transparency, and enhance recognition of higher-welfare production systems.
New Welfare Tiers Proposed
The proposal, inspired by the poultry tiering system introduced in 2020, includes two new voluntary welfare tiers for the pig sector:
- Enhanced Welfare Tier: This tier applies to pork from pigs that are outdoor-bred or outdoor-reared and then finished indoors with more space and a solid, bedded lying area.
- Free Range Tier: This tier covers pork from pigs that have continuous access to the outdoors.
Each tier would feature a dedicated Red Tractor logo, enabling consumers to distinguish between different levels of welfare while maintaining the core assurance mark’s reputation.
Updates to Existing Standards
In addition to the new tiers, Red Tractor is proposing minor updates to existing standards to align with equivalent schemes and reflect best practices. These changes will only proceed with majority backing from the UK pig industry.
Industry Support and Future Plans
Stewart Houston, chair of the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board, emphasized the benefits of the proposed labelling system. “The board believes the proposed labelling system would provide a clearer, simpler way for our members to communicate and differentiate their welfare standards. It could also enhance consumers’ ability to make informed purchasing decisions by uniting existing tiers within the pork category under a suite of Red Tractor logos.”
Houston noted that many producers already meet the proposed welfare standards, and the new system would streamline compliance, reducing audit costs and licensing fees.
Looking ahead, Red Tractor is exploring a future ‘Certified Standards Plus’ tier focused on flexible farrowing, which offers reduced sow confinement. This tier would support a voluntary, industry-led welfare approach, reducing the need for legislation and helping farmers adapt to market and societal changes.
Houston added, “This approach could demonstrate proactive welfare improvements and potentially reduce the need for heavy-handed legislation, while supporting producers in meeting evolving expectations.”
Red Tractor’s consultation represents a significant step towards enhancing welfare standards and consumer transparency in the UK pigmeat sector. The proposed tiered system aims to provide clear, differentiated welfare options for consumers while supporting producers in meeting evolving market and societal expectations.
Original story: Farming UK
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