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.
Bu hikaye The Country Smallholder dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Country Smallholder dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Being able to respond to unexpected accidents on the smallholding is crucial
Hugh & Fiona Osborne describe how they have responded to a major setback to their smallholder plans. It may help you plan your response, should the worst happen.
How can we ensure that Britain keeps farming?
Agricultural journalist, smallholder and Editor of the Ferguson Heritage Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.
Keeping Things Together
Claire Waring discusses methods of swarm control
All about Asparagus
Lee Senior has some surprising facts about this delicious plant that you can grow in your veg patch
I'll talk, you listen
Paul Donovan investigates the importance of vocalisation in chickens, and how it conveys a bird's feelings, and state of health
Home is where the hen is
Chickens are an \"absolute necessity in anyone's life,\" says Cara Wheeldon It's no yolk! from healing properties to happiness, here's why poultry make the best pets
The spring is a good time to think about getting some hens
What you need to know about adopting hens from the BHWT
Poultry leg rings are an invaluable tool for poultry keepers
There are a vast array of types of leg rings on the market and they can be used in many ways. Fiona & Hugh Osborne guide you through the choices and applications.
Broody Hen Disasters
Hatching chicks the natural way doesn't always go smoothly. Grant Brereton, author of The Broody Hen Hand Book, reveals some of the past challenges with broody hens that inspired his publication...
Watching the goats on the Watchlist
Rare Breeds Survival Trust Conservation Adviser Andrea Parry Jones looks at how we can help our native breed goat