NSA appeal for government support for abattoirs
Growing concerns over the survival of small abattoirs and farm supply companies have prompted the National Sheep Association (NSA) to appeal to government for “meaningful” support.
The NSA points to the increasing dominance of large companies in agricultural markets which it says is leading to the end of small seed or livestock processing businesses, such as the recent closure of a 100-year-old abattoir in the north of England.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “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 2019-2021, the sector has seen the closure of 14 abattoirs and already this year we have seen more added to that list.” Mr Stocker said 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 Press and Journal
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