An announcement on 21st February by Farming Minister Mark Spencer that funding will be made available to small abattoirs was a breakthrough in the ongoing campaign to save the sector. Small abattoirs are the cornerstone of local, sustainable, and high-welfare meat production, with thousands of farmers and smallholders depending on their services.
In recent years there has been a catastrophic decline in small abattoir numbers, with only 49 small red meat abattoirs estimated to remain in England, Wales, and Scotland. If closures continue at the current rate, none would be operating by 2030.
This comes at a time when we urgently need to address the climate and biodiversity crises and food insecurity. Whilst there is growing recognition that we must shift towards more regenerative farming methods and relocalise our food system, the loss of local infrastructure hampers progress. Many farmers have already been forced to change or close their businesses due to lack of an abattoir.
SMALL FARMS DEPEND ON A NETWORK OF ABATTOIRS
Christopher Price, CEO of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust said "the impact of the loss of local abattoirs was particularly acute in the uplands and West Country, where livestock is generally the only sort of farming possible.
この記事は The Country Smallholder の April 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Country Smallholder の April 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Miniature Jersey Cattle-the only two in the UK?
Sally Crozer hopes there will be more
You can help protect baby birds this breeding season
The RSBP says you can help all nesters but particularly watch out for ground nesting birds many of which are under threat
Smallholding profile: Pocket House Studio
Helen Babbs visits a thriving Hebridean croft and weaving studio
Grow Your Own refreshing brews
Mel Thomas says there are so many possibilities from your own back garden
Making the most of fresh eggs and summer fruit
Henrietta Balcon celebrates the season of abundance
How to deal with Pests the Natural Way
Lee Senior says create a healthy predator-prey balance in your garden
How to create a hen-friendly garden
The British Hen Welfare Trust share their top tips to strike a perfect balance.
Do chickens really experience empathy?
This month, Paul Donovan turns his attention to the psychological side of poultry behaviour, and investigates whether hens sense empathy – a trait indicative of mammals.
Care of the fleece begins at shearing time
Claire Boley gives a guide to sorting and storing a fleece so it’s in good condition for spinning
We're going on an alpaca walking experience
Cathy Darcey & Stuart Woolley share their journey with alpacas – and other animals – to make a business out of something they love doing