FSA recommends retaining the Small Abattoir Discount

News that the small abattoir discount looks set to be retained has been welcomed by farmer and South East Farmer correspondent Nigel Akehurst.

Responding to the decision of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board to recommend the retention of the discount to DEFRA, he commented: “I’m relieved the FSA has backed the discount. Without it, rising costs could force more closures and undermine local, higher-welfare meat supply chains, which are already hanging by a thread.”

The discount covers up to 90% of charges for smaller abattoirs, many of which are already struggling for a variety of reasons, creating a knock-on effect on farmers who increasingly have to travel longer distances to have their animals slaughtered.

Nigel sends between 12 and 15 head of Sussex x Aberdeen Angus cattle and 20 to 30 fat lambs to the Downland Abattoir in Henfield per year to supply the monthly farm gate sale at Hockham Farm, where the meat is sold as individual cuts and in beef boxes.

Because charges are based on vet time rather than throughput, larger operators benefit from a better economy of scale, with the cost for smaller operators estimated to be nine times greater per animal.

Without the discount, smaller abattoirs would have to close or pass costs on to customers, according to a statement issued by the Soil Association and supported by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and Sustainable Food Trust.

The Soil Association’s organic sector development advisor, Adrian Steele, welcomed the decision as “the first time the FSA has recognised the valuable role that small abattoirs play in the rural economy and in local communities”.

He went on: “We simply cannot afford to see any more abattoirs disappearing. With fewer than 50 still operating in England and Wales they have their work cut out to support the growing organic sector and demand from consumers for greater choice when it comes to quality and where they buy their fresh meat.

“Small, local abattoirs are crucial to building resilient local supply chains and ensuring higher animal welfare standards.”

The Sustainable Food Trust’s head of policy and campaigns Megan Perry said the Small Abattoir Discount was “absolutely critical to the continued viability of these businesses” but warned: “Assuming the Minister agrees with this proposal, the next stage will be crucial, and industry must be closely consulted about what form the discount should take and how it should be applied.”

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers has estimated that without the discount, 40% of smaller abattoirs would have to close.

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