UK Government Urged to Seek Carve Outs in EU Trade Deal

The UK government has been urged to seek specific carve-outs from EU regulatory alignment in ongoing trade talks, amid warnings that British farmers could be undercut by lower-standard imports.

In a new report, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) called on ministers to pursue Swiss-style exemptions from “dynamic alignment” with the EU on animal welfare standards, precision breeding and pesticide regulation as part of negotiations on a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.

MPs warned that without flexibility, UK producers could face competitive disadvantages, particularly if regulatory changes are imposed at speed or without sufficient transitional support. The committee said maintaining the UK’s ability to diverge where appropriate is essential to protect farm businesses and investment confidence.

The report also recommends a minimum 24-month implementation period for any future regulatory changes agreed with the EU, arguing that farmers, processors and supply chains need adequate time to adapt systems, contracts and compliance processes.

EFRA said that while smoother SPS arrangements could reduce friction at the border and support agri-food exports, this should not come at the cost of locking the UK into permanent regulatory alignment that limits innovation or policy choice.

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Source: UK Parliament – EFRA Committee | 5 February 2026

Loss of Local Abattoirs Hits Farmers and Welfare

The number of licensed abattoirs operating in the UK has fallen to just 203, down from around 2,500 in the 1970s, raising concerns over animal welfare, farmer viability and local food supply chains.

According to Sustainable Food Trust, the decline is forcing livestock to travel longer distances to slaughter, increasing costs and welfare pressures while limiting farmers’ ability to sell meat locally and direct to consumers.

The impact is particularly acute for the organic sector, where the Trust reports that 19% of organic farmers have been forced to stop selling meat as organic due to a lack of suitable local processing capacity. Smaller producers often rely on nearby abattoirs to maintain traceability, quality and welfare standards demanded by premium markets.

Industry observers warn that continued consolidation risks locking producers out of higher-value routes to market, while concentrating processing capacity in fewer, larger plants. This trend can reduce resilience during disruptions and makes it harder for new entrants and niche producers to operate profitably.

The Sustainable Food Trust has called for policy intervention to protect remaining facilities and support investment in small and medium-scale abattoirs, arguing that local processing is essential to high welfare standards, rural economies and consumer choice.

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Source: Sustainable Food Trust | 3 February 2026

AHDB Launches Expanded British Pork Marketing Campaign

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed the return of its flagship pork campaign, “This is British pork. But not as you know it”, with an expanded programme designed to keep pork relevant all year round.

For 2026, the campaign will run across three TV-led bursts, including the first-ever summer television push for British pork. AHDB said the move reflects a strategy to drive consistent demand beyond traditional seasonal peaks.

The previous autumn campaign delivered record results, with purchase intent reaching 84% and retail pork volumes rising by 2.7%, underlining the effectiveness of sustained consumer-facing promotion at a time when households remain price-conscious.

The refreshed campaign will continue to focus on versatility, quality and modern usage occasions, positioning pork as a flexible protein suited to everyday meals as well as premium dishes. AHDB believes this approach is critical to defending pork’s share of the protein market amid competition from poultry and plant-based alternatives.

Industry representatives have broadly welcomed the expanded marketing effort, noting that demand-side support is essential as producers and processors navigate ongoing cost pressures, changing consumer habits and tighter margins.

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Source: AHDB | 2 February 2026

Quality Meat Scotland Launches New Campaign to Support Local Butchers

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign. The campaign is aimed at boosting footfall for independent butchers and supporting members of the Scotch Butchers Club.

The campaign will run across radio, digital and in-store channels. Radio advertising alone is expected to reach around 1.5 million listeners. QMS said the initiative is designed to reinforce the value of local butchers. This comes at a time when many are facing pressure from rising costs and changing consumer shopping habits.

Messaging will focus on quality, provenance and trust. It will highlight the role of Scotch Butchers Club members in delivering high-welfare Scottish meat backed by assured standards. The campaign also aims to remind consumers of the expertise and service offered by local butchers. This is compared with larger retail formats.

QMS said driving demand at butcher level remains critical to maintaining value across the supply chain. This supports livestock producers while protecting traditional routes to market for premium Scottish beef, lamb and pork.

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Source: Quality Meat Scotland | 3 February 2026

Bluetongue Halts Live Cattle Trade Between ROI and NI

The movement of live cattle and sheep from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland has been suspended. This follows the confirmation of bluetongue virus (BTV) cases in the south.

According to Farmers Journal, the restriction has been introduced as a precautionary animal health measure. Its purpose is to prevent the spread of the midge-borne disease into Northern Ireland.

Bluetongue does not pose a risk to human health, but it can have serious consequences for livestock health and trade. The suspension applies to live animal movements, reflecting established veterinary protocols when notifiable diseases are detected.

The action follows confirmation of multiple BTV cases in County Wexford and sits alongside enhanced surveillance. Tracing and movement controls are in place in affected areas. Northern Ireland already has a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in place. There are additional biosecurity requirements for higher-risk animals.

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Source: Farmers Journal | 28 January 2026

AHDB Sees Strong Export Potential in MENA Markets

Export prospects for UK sheep meat and dairy into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are strengthening. This growth is driven by population growth, rising incomes and limited domestic food production capacity.

According to new analysis from the AHDB, the MENA region is forecast to become the second largest net food importing region globally by 2034.

AHDB highlighted particular potential for UK lamb, where demand is expected to grow for high-quality, premium cuts. This increase is supported by cultural preferences and expanding foodservice sectors. Dairy demand is also forecast to rise. Regional production struggles to keep pace with consumption due to water scarcity and climate constraints.

The organisation is actively supporting UK exporters at Gulfood Dubai, one of the world’s largest food trade exhibitions, helping businesses connect with buyers across the Gulf, North Africa and wider Middle East. AHDB said British provenance, traceability and welfare standards remain key selling points in the region’s premium segments.

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Source: AHDB | 28 January 2026

FSA Launches Call for Evidence on Meat Official Controls Charges

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a call for evidence on the Meat Official Controls Charges (England) Amendment Regulations 2019, inviting feedback from operators of approved meat establishments in England.

The exercise forms part of a Post-Implementation Review (PIR) required under statutory obligations and will assess whether the current charging framework for official controls remains appropriate, proportionate and effective.

The FSA is seeking evidence from abattoirs, cutting plants and other approved establishments on how the regulations have operated in practice since their introduction, including impacts on costs, competitiveness, administration and compliance. The review will also consider whether the objectives of the regulations have been met and if any unintended consequences have arisen.

The consultation period runs until 21 April 2026, after which the FSA will analyse submissions and publish its findings. These outcomes could inform future decisions on inspection charging structures and regulatory approach within the meat sector.

Industry bodies have long highlighted concerns over official controls costs, particularly for smaller and lower-throughput plants, making the review a closely watched development for processors across England.

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Source: Food Standards Agency | 28 January 2026

BMPA Warns of Rising Illegal Meat Trade

The UK meat industry is facing a growing biosecurity threat from the illegal importation of meat products. This follows a sharp rise in seizures at ports and warnings from industry bodies.

According to an update from British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), a recent BBC Radio 4 documentary highlighted the scale of the problem. Dover Port Authority seized 20 tonnes of illegal meat in September 2025, compared with just 1.3 tonnes in September 2022.

Much of the seized meat is reported to originate from Romania, where African swine fever (ASF) remains widespread. While ASF poses no risk to human health, it is highly contagious among pigs. It would have severe consequences for the UK livestock sector if introduced.

The BMPA said the situation should act as a wake-up call for policymakers and called for stronger controls. They also called for better resourcing at ports and greater coordination between enforcement agencies. Processors argue that legitimate businesses operating under strict UK and EU-derived standards are being undercut by illegal operators. These operators bypass both biosecurity and welfare rules.

The warning comes amid heightened sensitivity around animal health, following recent bluetongue detections. There is ongoing concern over global disease spread linked to trade and travel.

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Source: British Meat Processors Association| 28 January 2026

Shannon-Based Halal Meat Operator Asba Meats Enters Receivership

A Shannon-based halal meat processor has entered receivership, marking the second such appointment within four months for the Irish meat sector.

According to reporting by Agriland, receivers from Deloitte Ireland have been appointed to Asba Meats, which operates from premises in Shannon, Co. Clare.

The appointment follows a series of legal and financial challenges, including court actions relating to unpaid debts of more than €575,000 owed to farmers. The company has also been involved in workplace related legal rulings, adding to pressure on the business in recent months.

The development highlights ongoing strain within parts of the Irish processing sector, where tight livestock supplies, rising costs and cashflow pressures are increasing financial risk for smaller and specialist operators. Industry observers note that niche processors can be particularly exposed when procurement costs rise faster than margins.

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Source: Agriland | 26 January 2026