The Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board has confirmed it will move forward with creating new modules and labelling for outdoor pig production, with the aim of them being in place by the end of the year.
This follows a wide-ranging consultation on proposals for the new modules that 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.
Red Tractor’s six-week consultation, which ran from April 28 to June 6, included the proposed introduction of an Enhanced Welfare standard, based on outdoor-bred or outdoor-reared pigs finished indoors, with more space and a solid, bedded lying area, and a Free-Range tier for pigs with continuous outdoor access. It also included questions about an enhanced welfare module for indoor pig farms.
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.
Support for outdoor modules
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, the assurance body confirmed that most of the proposed standards for these modules will be adopted, with the aim of making them available by the end of this year.
However, the name of the new outdoor modules is still to be confirmed. Red Tractor said the consultation raised important questions around whether the logo should reflect the method of production – for example using the term ‘Outdoor Bred’.
Indoor module paused
Based on the responses, the Pigs Sector Board has paused work on an indoor-focused module but will continue to explore ways to support farmers transitioning to alternative farrowing systems.
A total of 59% of respondents, including 72% of producers, felt the proposed Enhanced Welfare tier should not include indoor systems, such as indoor free farrowing. Only 35% supported developing an indoor-focused ‘Certified Standards Plus’ module, falling to 28% amongst producers.
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, Red Tractor said
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.
Core standards updates
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.
Powerful snapshot
Stewart Houston, chair of the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board said: “This consultation has provided a powerful snapshot of the supply chain’s views towards tiered labelling in pig production, from the people who matter. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.
“Taking onboard the feedback, Red Tractor will now move forwards with the industry’s request to develop tiered standards that reduce the need for compliance to multiple assurance schemes, reduce audit burden and provide clearer labelling of outdoor bred pig meat. We’re also developing plans to support producers with transitioning to these modules, where they wish to.”