The National Sheep Association (NSA) is calling on the Government to provide meaningful support to aid the survival of small and medium sized businesses relating to farming and food.

From agricultural seed companies to livestock processors, NSA is highlighting how frequently large companies are increasingly dominating agricultural markets, compared to many smaller firms traditionally playing an important part in the sector. This is frequently leading to the end of such businesses, such as the recent closure of the 100-year-old Mettrick's abattoir in the North of England. Small abattoirs are especially at risk from a lack of Government support NSA warns.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: "Although newly announced energy support packages will have come as welcome relief for many, the Government must realise the ongoing severity of the situation, especially within the small abattoir sector. During the period between 2019 and 2021 the sector has seen the closure of 14 abattoirs and already this year we have seen more added to that list. The largest 24 meat processing plants control 85% of the throughput. As an industry, there is a desperate need to support small and medium sized businesses to ensure that there is capacity and a service for rural locations at a time when interest in localising supply chains is growing."

The Government Food Strategy published in June outline a range of aspirations to improve the food systems within the UK.

Mr Stocker continues: "As outlined in the Government's Food Strategy, it is a key component that healthy and sustainable food should be sourced as locally as possible, yet the capacity to do this is escaping communities quicker than government policy can be enacted. NSA urges the Government to support and incentivise the investment in our own supply chain infrastructure before it is too late. It is disappointing to see the disconnect in government farming schemes often incentivising diversification and local sourcing yet there is little to no action in maintaining the means to deliver these outcomes."