The Abattoir Sector Group (ASG) has today 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.

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 £4m 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 £3m 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 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 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.