McIntyre Meats, based in Wensleydale, is set to close its doors on 27 March after 23 years in operation, adding to the growing list of small abattoir closures over the past 2 years. This trend has dealt a significant blow to the small abattoir community, forcing small meat businesses to travel longer distances to access slaughter facilities. This increased demand has placed additional strain on the few remaining small abattoirs, exacerbating the challenges they face.
Head of policy and campaigns for the Sustainable Food Trust, Megan Perry, highlighted the far-reaching impacts of the widespread loss of local meat supply chains, warning that it is driving the UK toward a more centralized, consolidated system dominated by supermarkets and large slaughter and processing operations.
Perry emphasized the negative consequences of transporting animals over long distances for slaughter, underscoring the detrimental effects on animal welfare, the environment, and customer preference for locally-sourced meat. She called for a coordinated effort involving industry experts, local authorities, and abattoir users to develop solutions for regions that have been affected by abattoir closures.
Chair of the Abattoir Sector Group, John Mettrick, stressed the urgent need for reforms in regulations governing small abattoirs, noting that such changes are crucial to addressing the challenges faced by these facilities. He also highlighted the need for a fund to support the construction of new small abattoirs, in addition to the existing Smaller Abattoir Fund, to bolster the local meat supply chain.
In an effort to assist struggling abattoirs, the Government recently launched the £4m Smaller Abattoir Fund, aimed at providing grants to Food Standards Agency approved red meat and poultry abattoirs in England. These grants will support eligible businesses with capital items and investment projects geared towards improving productivity, animal health and welfare, and the introduction of innovative approaches and technologies. The initiative aims to mitigate the challenges faced by small abattoirs and promote sustainability within the industry.
