Red Tractor has confirmed it is introducing two new modules to its Pigs Scheme – Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred and Free Range – accompanied by distinctive on-pack logos.
The assurance scheme said the new module will help Red Tractor-assured pig producers and Red Tractor-licensed food businesses clearly communicate higher animal welfare inputs to shoppers.At its November meeting, Red Tractor’s pigs board confirmed the introduction of the new modules , with producers having the opportunity to transition to it from February 1, 2026. This will place Red Tractor in direct competition with RSPCA Assured for outdoor pig production assurance.
Stewart Houston, Chair of the Red Tractor Pigs Sector, said: “These new modules recognise greater freedom and comfort for the animals. The new logos will provide consumers with greater choice on the shelf, while the standards sitting behind them provide outdoor producers a way of reducing their on-farm audits while maintaining access to existing markets.”
Developed by industry and subject to extensive consultation over the last 18 months, the new modules build on the success of Red Tractor’s additional welfare modules in the poultry sector. They have been benchmarked against existing market standards to ensure they reflect meaningful, recognised welfare standards while fitting within the practical realities of commercial pig production, Red Tractor said.
Whole supply chain
Red Tractor said the changes are designed to benefit the whole supply chain. For producers, the modules specify standards for outdoor systems within the Red Tractor Pigs Scheme – ‘giving outdoor pig producers a straightforward, trusted way to show the welfare enhancements they deliver’, it said.
“For food businesses who are Red Tractor licensees, the modular approach offers a cost-effective option to demonstrate higher welfare on pack, menus, websites, paperwork and marketing materials,” the assurance scheme said.
“This is particularly timely as many businesses begin to plan packaging updates in the coming months. For retailers, the new logos will help shoppers make quicker, more confident choices at point of purchase by providing a consistent, recognisable and trusted welfare message across pork and poultry.”
Mr Houston stressed that the drive for this has come from the pig sector, with much of the focus on reducing duplication. “The industry wanted us to do it, and it fits in perfectly with our challenge from the UK Farm Assurance Review to reduce the number of audits for farmers,” he said.
The new modules and on-pack logos are intended to streamline assurance activity for producers who currently participate in multiple schemes – a recommendation central to the Farm Assurance Review – and to improve efficiency throughout the supply chain.
Mr Houston added: “Producers have been clear that they want fair recognition for the additional time, investment and care that goes into higher-welfare systems.
“These new modules and logos do exactly that – they give farmers a practical, trusted route to demonstrate better welfare while helping retailers and consumers to recognise those commitments easily. We developed the standards with wide industry input and by benchmarking against established schemes, so producers, licensees, customers and consumers can have confidence in what these logos represent.”
RSPCA Assured response
An RSPCA Assured spokesperson said: “We welcome any move to improve pig welfare. However, tiered assurance models risk confusing consumers, and the continued use of farrowing crates is a major concern.
“RSPCA Assured is the UK’s only independent farm assurance scheme solely focused on farmed animal welfare. Our label means every animal is reared to higher welfare standards, without exception.”
- For more information about the new Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred and Free Range modules in the Red Tractor Pigs Standards, visit the website.
How members and food businesses can take advantage of the new modules
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Pig producers: Speak to your certification body to learn module requirements and enrolment steps.
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Food businesses: Food businesses who want to use the new logos must be licensed by Red Tractor to do so. Existing licensees must also complete an Enhanced Welfare Outdoor Bred or Free Range application.
The Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board widely consulted on proposals to introduce standards that recognise different levels of welfare inputs.