New research into the economic viability of abattoirs

In June 2019, our Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales convened a roundtable on abattoirs at Dumfries House. At this meeting, a number of grocers, abattoir owners, butchers, and others involved in the red meat supply chain came together to discuss the context in which red meat abattoirs were operating, the specific situation facing smaller abattoirs, and to explore their sustainability and what specific practical actions needed to be taken forward in order to create a viable abattoirs sector that meets the specific needs of different sectors of farming and food production.

The overarching recommendation from the meeting was to undertake this research. As part of the PCF’s ambition to support thriving farming families, the need to support a diverse abattoir sector is clear – that farmers should have access to a range of abattoirs, offering a wide range of services regardless of size – to support their farming ambitions.

Here at The Prince’s Countryside Fund, we hope that this research will help to illuminate the reasons that smaller abattoirs require unique support, and how the disappearance of these businesses will negatively impact the rural economy, food sustainability, and the profitability of our nations farming families.