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Proposals for these modules were developed at the request of the industry to provide an opportunity for farmers to reduce the burden of compliance with multiple assurance schemes. They also aim to provide clearer labelling for consumers.
The consultation, which included questions about enhanced welfare modules for both outdoor and indoor pig farms, ran from 28 April to 6 June 2025. Red Tractor received 122 responses from a broad cross-section of the pig industry, including small independent producers, retailers, vets, integrators and NGOs. Together, respondents represented an estimated 225,000 sows, around 90% of the English sow herd.
Responses showed support for recognising outdoor production systems: outdoor-bred pigs with straw-based or free-range finishing. More than half (57%) of outdoor producers supported the idea of Red Tractor developing tiered standards and labelling for outdoor pig production. As a result, most of the proposed standards for these modules will be adopted, with Red Tractor aiming to make them available by the end of 2025.
The consultation raised important questions around whether the logo should reflect the method of production – for example using the term “Outdoor Bred”. 59% of respondents, including 72% of producers, felt the proposed Enhanced Welfare tier should not include indoor systems such as indoor free farrowing. As a result, Red Tractor will explore and research more labelling options, balancing consultation responses with consumer insight and our existing labelling system.
The consultation also looked at the future of farrowing systems for indoor pig farms. While 75% of producers said they are not planning to install new or second-hand conventional crates, 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 in the future.
Producers were split on whether Red Tractor should publish standards for flexible farrowing – 48% said this should be done as soon as possible, while just under half (42%) wanted Red Tractor to wait. Only 35% supported developing an indoor-focused “Certified Standards Plus” module, falling to 28% amongst producers.
The Pigs Sector Board has therefore paused work on an indoor-focused module but will continue to explore ways to support farmers transitioning to alternative farrowing systems.
Red Tractor also consulted on changes to existing core standards designed to align Red Tractor with other schemes and help reduce the audit burden on farms. Most proposals received good support with feedback helping to ensure requirements are practical and clear. These updates will come into effect alongside the new modules.
July 21, 2025/ Red Tractor/ United Kingdom.
https://redtractor.org.uk
