Meat Processors Warn Abattoir Sector Near Tipping Point: Urgent Changes Needed

Meat industry stakeholders are expressing grave concerns about a significant downturn in livestock farming, increased dependency on imports, and a potential compromise of the UK’s food security if the government does not take action to stem the decreasing number of abattoirs.

A recent Meat Industry Manifesto compiled by the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) reveals that the number of abattoirs in the UK has plummeted from approximately 2,500 in the 1970s to a mere 203 today.

Moreover, the manifesto cites diminishing livestock populations, burdensome trade restrictions, and a chronic labor shortage stemming from the impacts of Brexit as contributing factors.

“This trend should raise alarms for both consumers and the government because crossing a critical threshold could trigger an even steeper decline in domestic farming, leading to increased imports and jeopardizing a vital component of the UK’s food security,” cautioned the BMPA.

Furthermore, if needed, British meat processors might resort to sourcing more meat from overseas, focusing primarily on processing and packaging products for distribution.

However, this approach poses risks for the UK, exposing it to uncontrollable factors, including international conflicts, climate-driven shortages, and export restrictions that could abruptly disrupt supply chains.

The Impact of Brexit

Nick Allen, the chief executive of BMPA, attributes much of the current challenges in the meat industry to Brexit.

“Post-EU exit, the British meat sector has faced heightened bureaucratic red tape, stricter trade barriers, and an acute shortage of workers,” he explained.

The newly released Meat Industry Manifesto outlines several recommendations for the government to bolster the meat sector:

• Food Strategy – Implementing the use of public funds to promote productivity while ensuring that inefficiencies and poor practices are not supported.
• Workforce/Migration – Enhancing domestic training resources while simplifying the process for hiring butchers from abroad.
• Trade/Borders – Advocating for alignment with EU standards and establishing a common veterinary agreement with the EU to facilitate smoother trade.
• Environmental Policy – Recognizing “food security” as a public asset.
• Regulatory Standards – Ensuring that UK standards align with those of any country engaged in future free-trade agreements.

“We view the potential election of a new Labour government as a chance to redefine the collaboration between government and industry, facilitating the sharing of critical insights to develop practical policies that enhance Britain’s long-term food security,” Mr. Allen noted.