The Abattoir Sector Group (ASG) [1] has written to the new Farming Minister, Daniel Zeichner, highlighting the important and ongoing work to rebuild a thriving network of small abattoirs across the UK. [2]

The ASG acknowledged and thanked Defra for the positive progress achieved to date, including work towards implementing regulatory easements and reduced administration, and through the investment of the £4 million Smaller Abattoir Fund.

John Mettrick, Chair of the Abattoir Sector Group, 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 has welcomed the new Government’s commitment for 50% of public sector food procurement to be local and sustainable, and highlighted the crucial role small abattoirs play in delivering food security. A diverse and de-centralised supply chain builds resilience to shocks, as was proved during the COVID-19 pandemic when small abattoirs stepped in to offer alternative routes to market when the supply chain was disrupted.

John Mettrick said, “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.”

The sector faces a pivotal moment. Following the announcement in May that the Farming Investment Fund would include £3 million ring fenced for the creation of new abattoirs, there has been a rise in interest, particularly from farmers wishing to build innovative and sustainable small abattoirs to support local meat supply chains, more sustainable livestock production and conservation grazing.

The ASG has therefore sought confirmation that the funding for new abattoirs will be approved, in addition to highlighting the work streams that are mid-way to completion with some issues yet to be addressed. [3] 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 are also areas the ASG are seeking to address through the Small Abattoir Task and Finish Group, co-chaired with Defra.

The ASG remain committed to working collaboratively with Government to support the creation of new abattoirs and address problems faced by the sector.

ENDS

For more information please email Megan Perry megan@sustainablefoodtrust.org or abattoirsectorgroup@gmail.com.

 

NOTES

[1]  The ASG was co-founded by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, National Craft Butchers, Pasture for Life, Prince’s Countryside Fund, Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the Sustainable Food Trust, and within those organisations, we represent a wide range of stakeholders including farmers, abattoirs, butchers and retailers.

[2] Despite being absolutely vital for the local meat sector, small abattoirs have been closing across the UK at a rate of 10% per year, leaving only around 60 small red meat abattoirs in England. This is due to a combination of one size fits all regulation, the burden of paperwork and bureaucracy, a shortage of skilled labour, lack of succession plans and soaring running costs, be that energy or waste disposal.

[3] Current workstreams

1. Regulation – There remains a critical need for risk-based and proportionate regulation, including:

  • Adoption of the 5% rule, a process that has already been started by DEFRA;
  • A review of the role of the Official Veterinarian in small abattoirs;
  • Consideration of the use of remote inspection technology;
  • The upskilling of abattoir staff and possible delegation of some OV roles, where appropriate.

2. Funding – The Smaller Abattoir Fund should continue to receive support until the application deadline of 30th September and the ASG would welcome confirmation of the ring fenced £3 million for new abattoirs within the Farming Investment Fund.

3. Over Thirty Month Rule – ASG are pleased that progress is being made towards applying for negligible BSE risk status which will then enable TSE rules to be reviewed.

4. Animal By-Products – ASG has identified the costs of waste disposal and the collapse in value of hides and skins as a key issue. ASG would like to work through the Task and Finish Group to find solutions, including the potential for a ‘hub and spoke’ model of by-product collection and utilisation and the development of markets and infrastructure for small-scale hide and skin processing in the UK.

5. Skilled labour – The shortage of skilled labour is a major barrier for the creation of new abattoirs. A collaborative approach will be needed across the sector and government departments to address it.