Cost of Pig Farming Services
across the UK

# Pig Farming Services: Trade Body Accreditation

The primary regulatory framework for pig farming in the UK is overseen by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and the Food Standards Agency, but operational accreditation typically comes through industry-specific schemes. The most relevant trade bodies include the National Pig Association (NPA), which sets standards for production and welfare, and various Quality Assurance schemes such as Red Tractor (formerly FARM ASSURED), which independently verifies that producers meet standards covering animal welfare, food safety, and environmental management. Some providers may also hold RSPCA Assured certification, which indicates higher welfare standards aligned with RSPCA guidelines, or British Quality Assurance certifications specific to pig meat production. These accreditations demonstrate that a provider has been independently audited and meets legally binding welfare requirements under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as well as biosecurity and traceability standards. Understanding which schemes a provider holds is important because different certifications carry different implications for how the farm is managed, what records are maintained, and how seriously welfare and food safety are prioritized.

To verify a provider's accreditation, you should ask to see their current certificates and check the authenticity of any claims against the relevant scheme's official register or database. Red Tractor certification can be verified through their online directory, and RSPCA Assured status is searchable on the RSPCA website. It is also worth asking how recently the provider was audited, since accreditation must be renewed regularly, typically annually or biennially depending on the scheme. You can also contact the trade body directly if a provider claims membership of the NPA or other professional associations. Verification matters because unaccredited providers may operate with lower standards for animal welfare, biosecurity, or record-keeping, which creates greater risk of disease spread, reduced traceability