The Red Tractor Assurance scheme is a UK standard for food production in order to protect animal welfare, food safety and sustainability.
For chickens, there are currently three main Red Tractor levels, also referred to as tiers, which cover different farming approaches and standards.
The first of the three levels is classed as the standard level.
1. Red Tractor (Standard)
- This level applies to most UK chicken sold within supermarkets.
- Chickens are reared indoors in large barns with controlled lighting, temperature, and ventilation.
- The stocking density, aka, the number of birds per square metre, is up to 38 kg/m².
- Chickens must have dry litter and access to perches or bales for their enrichment.
- Growth promoting hormones are strictly banned.
- The birds must have access to regular veterinary care as well as welfare checks.
2. Red Tractor Enhanced Welfare
- Higher welfare necessary than the standard level.
- The birds must be kept with lower stocking density, with a maximum of 30 kg/m².
- Natural light must be provided.
- There must be more environmental enrichment for the animals including perches and pecking objects.
- The birds are typically slower growing breeds in order to improve their health and mobility.
- Red tractor enhanced welfare farms are subject to additional welfare audits.
3. Red Tractor Free Range
- Chickens must have outdoor access for at least half their lives.
- Such outdoor areas must provide cover and shelter for the birds.
- The animals are housed with even lower indoor stocking densities of max 27.5 kg/m².
- Typically, slower growing breeds are chosen.
- Natural daylight and enrichments are required.
