The Smaller Abattoir Fund has been launched to provide grants to smaller red meat and poultry abattoirs in England – a crucial step in securing the future of the sector and is part of wider efforts to address the many pressures causing small abattoirs to close.

Chair of the Abattoir Sector Group, John Mettrick, said: “I am delighted that the Smaller Abattoir Fund has launched. This demonstrates that the government recognises the importance of small abattoirs to farmers, butchers, and the whole rural supply chain. This fund has been developed by DEFRA, the FSA, the Abattoir Sector Group, and the meat industry working together. I would urge abattoir businesses to take advantage of the fund to help develop their businesses for the future.”

Head of policy and campaigns at the Sustainable Food Trust, Megan Perry, said: “Small abattoirs are the cornerstone of local meat supply chains, supporting farmers, and local meat businesses and providing the critical infrastructure to make a nationwide transition to sustainable farming systems viable.

READ MORE | Scottish Government not following English small abattoir grant scheme

There has been a catastrophic decline in small abattoirs, with businesses closing at a rate of 10% per year. This has caused havoc for farming and local meat businesses and has resulted in animals travelling increasingly long distances to slaughter.

If we are to build a truly sustainable and resilient food system here in the UK then we need the infrastructure to support it. This fund is crucial to achieving this and we thank all those involved with bringing it about.”

The £4 million Smaller Abattoir Fund will provide grants for FSA approved red meat and poultry abattoirs, including mobile abattoirs, in England that slaughter up to 10,000 livestock units per annum for red meat abattoirs or up to 500,000 poultry birds (based on 2022 throughput data).

The grants will be for eligible capital items and investment projects with the aim of:

• Improving productivity

• Enhancing animal health and welfare

• Adding value to primary products

• Encouraging the introduction of innovative approaches and the use of new technologies

A list of capital investments will be published with the guidance documents, but there will also be an opportunity for applicants to apply for additional investments if they can provide evidence that shows these items comply with the Fund’s aims, objectives, and eligibility criteria.