Local abattoirs given a voice

The ASG states its mission as being to support and develop a thriving network of local abattoirs across the UK, which it described as essential to maintaining high animal welfare standards, supporting sustainable farming and meeting the rising demand for local meat.

Members include the Sustainable Food Trust, Fir Farm, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, the Prince’s Countryside Fund, National Craft Butchers, Animal Health and Welfare Board England and small abattoir operators based in Scotland, England, and Wales. British Veterinary Association past-president and senior lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, Dr Simon Docherty, is the chair, with small abattoir owner John Mettrick as vice chair.

Dr Doherty said: “Our aim is to ensure policy makers consider the vital role these smaller scale abattoirs play in local food production and within wider commitments to lift welfare standards, increase sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

“We are excited about ongoing work with the FSA, Defra and other governing bodies to ensure that local abattoirs are seen as one of the key elements if we are to meet Governments’ aims such as reducing live transport of animals and keeping our rural economies thriving, whilst transforming how we produce food in a more sustainable way,” said Mr Doherty. “ASG will be working to ensure smaller abattoirs are part of the infrastructure to support local food systems and rural economies, will be promoting the reduction of bureaucracy and simplification of paperwork and will work to improve coordination across government departments.”