SCOTTISH FARMERS have just days left to respond to a national consultation on abattoir provision.

Under pressure from the Campaign For Local Abattoirs, Westminster's All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare agreed to launch an inquiry on local abattoir provision last year – however, amidst the furore of Brexit and the constitutional tussle over agricultural policy, there are fears that the initiative has been sidelined.

But a last minute extension to the deadline for responses – it now closes this Sunday, March 24 – has been highlighted by Highland Cattle Society council member Hilary Barker, who suggested that, as the results would be fed back to Defra, and used in its formulation of the future UK policy framework, it would be well worth Scottish livestock farmers having their say via the inquiry's web survey this weekend.

“Good local abattoirs are an essential route to market for those of our members who supply local butchers and quality restaurants, or who have outlets through farm shops, farmers markets and farm gate sales," said Ms Barker. "It has been a growing concern to see the steady decline of small local abattoirs in recent years – there are now only eight left in Scotland offering private kills.

"From the welfare angle, a short distance to the abattoir is always preferable and less stressful which also has a positive effect on the quality of the beef. Slaughterhouse staff can put the animals through quietly and without the rush that is more common place in the big abattoirs," she said.

"It seems ironic that in a time when we increasingly acknowledge the need for lower food miles, reduced carbon emissions, animal welfare, local and regional food products and associated food tourism, that the infrastructure needed to support these ideals and needs is falling away."

The APGAW inquiry could result in approval for 'Amendment 49' of Westminster's Agriculture Bill, which would see small abattoirs included in the list of public goods that can receive taxpayer support. This could have a bearing on decisions relating to agriculture made later by the devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. As such, Ms Barker said it was worthwhile for The Scottish Farmer's readers to contribute their opinion, particularly as the deadline now stretches into this weekend.

To download the APGAW Abattoir Inquiry 2019 survey form go to https://apgaw.org/2019/02/27/abattoir-provision-inquiry-2019/