Following a Westminster Hall debate about the merits of Government support for small abattoirs on 8th May 2025, led by Sarah Dyke MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, the Sustainable Food Trust joined other steering group members of the Abattoir Sector Group in writing jointly to Minister Daniel Zeichner.
The Rt. Hon D Zeichner, Minister of State Defra
Dear Minister,
We are writing to thank you for your positive comments during the debate on Thursday 8th May regarding the merits of Government support for small abattoirs. We were heartened that across all nations and parties there was an understanding that small abattoirs deliver economic growth, provide employment opportunities, offer an outlet for marketing native breeds and promote animal welfare. Your commitment to continue working with industry was welcomed.
Through the Small Abattoir Task and Finish Group and the Small Abattoir Working Group, progress has been made towards adopting the 5% regulatory flexibility, the application for BSE negligible risk status and the delivery of the Smaller Abattoir Fund (SAF).
The SAF was successful in giving a boost to the sector and we were pleased that 42% of smaller abattoirs applied, showing intent to stay in business and invest. Those who applied are already reporting significant benefits including increased productivity, more added value services and even higher animal welfare, as well as supporting innovation.
However, through promoting the SAF, it was highlighted that because smaller operators are SMEs or micro-businesses, they have limited experience of engaging with these initiatives and need support in doing so. Furthermore, agricultural funding mostly excludes these smaller processors, despite the Agriculture Act 2020 clause 2 (b) making explicit provision for the Secretary of State to give financial assistance for ancillary activities (including selling, marketing, preparing, packaging, processing or distributing products).
As you heard during the debate, there are still major challenges facing the sector and we are at a critical stage in the survival of this vital network.
We therefore wish to reiterate the Abattoir Sector Group’s strategic priorities and actions for Government, found attached with this letter, and call for a proactive approach, in particular through strengthening the Small Abattoir Working Group and Small Abattoir Task and Finish Group to work across Government with a clear focus on delivery.
To facilitate this, we would like to invite you to visit a small abattoir or local meat business to discuss some of these issues further, hear first-hand from experts in the industry and refocus our efforts.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
John Mettrick, Chair, Abattoir Sector Group
Eleanor O’Brien, Managing Director, National Craft Butchers
Jason Aldiss, Executive Director, Association of Independent Meat Suppliers
Patrick Holden, Chief Executive, Sustainable Food Trust
Christopher Price, Chief Executive, Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Jimmy Woodrow, Chief Executive, Pasture for Life
CC.
Baroness Sue Hayman
John Powell
Also available to download as a PDF here.
Abattoir Sector Group strategic aims and priorities for Government
1. Recognise the UK-Wide Abattoir Network as Critical National Infrastructure
Make an explicit commitment that a diverse network of abattoirs offering the right services in the right places is essential to:
• Farming viability
• Food security
• Animal welfare
• Environmental land management
• Rural employment and economic growth
2. Empower the Small Abattoir Working Group to Deliver Change
Mandate the existing Defra-led Small Abattoir Working Group — which includes stakeholders from across the supply chain, from farmers and processors to industry groups and NGOs — to work proactively with local and national government on:
• Ensuring adequate access in all regions
• Coordinating policy with international agreements
• Supporting growth, rural jobs and diversified farm businesses
• Removing structural and regulatory barriers to success
3. Renew and Strengthen the Industry: Government Small Abattoir Task and Finish Group
Reboot the high-level Task Group, currently co-chaired by Defra and the Abattoir Sector Group, to:
• Resume regular direct contact with Ministers
• Provide strategic advice on funding, regulation, veterinary access and legislative reform
• Identify and address systemic constraints in real time
• Develop a coordinated roadmap for long-term growth
This group has already delivered meaningful progress — including securing previous funding and tackling regulatory issues. With renewed Ministerial engagement, its effectiveness can be greatly expanded.
4. Expand and Repeat the Smaller Abattoir Fund
• Offer a second funding round to those who missed the first or wish to invest further.
• Promote case studies of previous recipients to illustrate return on investment and inspire uptake.
• Enable abattoirs to invest in services like on-site butchery, scalding, organic certification and fifth-quarter recovery.
5. Reform Regulation with Proportionate, Modern Approaches
• Confirm commitment to continuing the Small Abattoir Discount on meat inspection charges.
• Finalise and implement the 5% Rule.
• Explore and expand the use of remote inspection technologies to reduce burdens without compromising welfare.
• Prepare for a wider legislative review if needed to deliver fit-for-purpose regulation for smaller abattoirs.
• Align standards with realistic risk profiles, especially as BSE status evolves.
6. Enable New Entrants and Community-Led Infrastructure
New abattoirs, including farmer-led initiatives, need support at various stages, including research and design, planning and licensing, building and operating.
We therefore urge:
• Access to rural grant schemes for infrastructure investment or a dedicated fund for new abattoirs as was promised by the previous government.
• Proactive support from officials for groups wishing to set up abattoirs, including guidance and regulatory navigation.
• Exploration of mobile, micro or pop-up abattoirs to serve remote areas that lack current services.
7. Address skilled worker shortages in the slaughtering and meat processing sector
With high retirement rates and lack of succession planning, and without enough new entrants to the sector, there is pressure on abattoirs that experience staff shortages. We are grateful that Defra have acknowledged this issue and that some discussion has already taken place regarding apprenticeships. To support this we urge that:
• A slaughtering apprenticeship review is fully supported by UK government to enable more flexibility for those wishing to train in both slaughtering and butchery and that funding be brought in line with the butchery apprenticeship.
• A joined-up approach is taken to attract young people into the sector, including working with the Department for Education and embedding the importance of this sector within education and careers advice.
Also available to download as a PDF here.
For further information or media comment please contact Megan Perry: megan@sustainablefoodtrust.org | 07761804341
Featured image courtesy of Christian Kay.
