The Abattoir Sector Group (ASG) has written to Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner to highlight the need to rebuild a network of small abattoirs across the UK.
The ASG thanked the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for the progress it has achieved, which includes work towards implementing regulatory easements and reduced administration, and through the investment of the £4 million Smaller Abattoir Fund.
Chair of the ASG, John Mettrick, said in the letter: “I am writing to extend our congratulations on your election to Government and to offer our continued support in addressing the decline of the vital smaller abattoir sector, as well as supporting your wider agenda around farming, the environment and food production.”
The ASG welcomed the new Government’s commitment for 50% of public sector food procurement to be local and sustainable, highlighting the “crucial role” small abattoirs play in delivering food security. It stated that a “diverse and decentralised supply chain builds resilience to shocks”, which it said was proved during the pandemic when small abattoirs offered alternative routes to market when the supply chain was disrupted.
Mettrick continued: “The ASG is well placed to help Government meet its objectives and we have been working with the Defra team to support the smaller abattoir sector for the past two years. It has been positive to have had an open dialogue and collaborative problem solving which we very much hope will continue.”
Farmers show interest in building small abattoirs
The sector faces a “pivotal moment”, said the ASG, as following the announcement that the Farming Investment Fund would include £3 million ring fenced for the creation of new abattoirs there has been a “rise in interest”. This comes from farmers wishing to build innovative and sustainable small abattoirs to support local meat supply chains, more sustainable livestock production and conservation grazing.
Now, the ASG has sought confirmation that the funding for new abattoirs will be approved in addition to highlighting the work streams that are “mid-way to completion” and some issues yet to be addressed. These include:
- A move to risk-based and proportionate regulation, including adoption of the 5% rule which is currently being progressed by Defra
- The shortage of skilled labour and the rising costs of waste combined with collapse in value of hides and skins.
The ASG said that it would “remain committed to working collaboratively with Government” to support the creation of new abattoirs and address problems faced by the sector.
