Cornwall Abattoirs Face Closure Over Rising Costs
Cornwall Abattoirs Face Closure Over Rising Costs – June 2025
Truro, Cornwall – 9 June 2025. The Cornwall abattoirs face closure over rising costs update highlights the serious risk faced by small slaughterhouses in the region. Owners warn that annual inspection fees could increase by £70,000, threatening the survival of key rural facilities.
Vet Fee Hikes and FSA Discount Removal
Abattoir owner Mark Rowe revealed that the FSA’s proposed fee hike, combined with the removal of a long-standing inspection discount, represents a major financial blow. Such a steep increase may make continued operation unviable for small processors.
As Andrew Body of Lodge & Thomas auctioneers explained, these abattoirs are vital—they drive competition, support local farmers, and underpin the livestock market in Truro. Without them, the local meat supply chain could fail to function.
Government Funding & Broader Industry Implications
The government has pledged £5 billion for sustainable food production and is working with the meat processing sector to address such challenges. However, frontline operators fear immediate impacts are already biting into viability.
This situation shows how rising regulatory costs threaten food security and regional economies. As small abattoirs across Cornwall struggle, rural communities may face limited processing options and potential closures.
Call to Action & Outlook
In summary, the Cornwall abattoirs face closure over rising costs update underscores a critical juncture for local meat infrastructure. Support, whether through targeted government funding or reinstating FSA inspection discounts, is urgently needed to preserve these essential services.
Source: BBC News
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