UK farming sector impacted by abattoir closures
A survey, conducted by the Sustainable Food Trust, of more than 1,300 farming and food businesses in the UK has revealed that local abattoirs are an essential service and two-thirds of respondents feel the lack of availability of abattoirs are impacting future business plans.
The survey results showed that 88% of participants believed their closest abattoir is either essential or important to the success of their business. Results also highlighted the many benefits of local establishments, including animal welfare, the local economy and the environment.
Small abattoirs are being closed at a rate of 10% per year, according to the Food Standards Agency, and this has left livestock farmers having to increase journey times to reach their nearest service. With the closure of many smaller abattoirs, those still open are increasingly busy. This has all forced some businesses to close or limit their operations. A number of respondents explained that their business was dependent on their local abattoir, one said: “If this one closed, we would lose our business.”
Island and remote businesses have been particularly affected. One farmer on Orkney said: “Since Orkney abattoir closed in 2018 the situation here is dire – most of the free-range rare breed pig farmers have closed down. The next nearest abattoir costs us over £250 just for the ferry taking a trailer that can hold max 20 sheep, then there is the 30-mile drive to the port and the 110 mile drive to Dingwall.”
by Vicky Lewis | Pig World
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