Small abattoirs threatened by FSA charge increase

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust has warned that proposed increases in Food Standards Agency charges for small abattoirs could significantly undermine efforts to revive the struggling small abattoir network.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), which works to preserve native livestock breeds, argues that raising Food Standards Agency (FSA) charges could put many small abattoirs out of business.

This would harm the “sustainable livestock sector” and increase costs for farmers, particularly those who rely on local facilities to process rare and native breeds.

See also: Analysis: How can the small abattoir sector be saved?

RBST chief executive Christopher Price says small abattoirs play a vital role in maintaining a resilient and diverse farming sector.

He pointed out that without continued discounts for smaller operations, abattoirs would face further financial strain, potentially leading to closures.

This would result in increased transportation distances for farmers, adding animal welfare concerns on top of rising costs.

The FSA has issued a Call for Evidence to evaluate the impact of its charging structure for official controls in abattoirs, which include inspections by veterinarians and hygiene inspectors to ensure meat safety.

The RBST has called on the government to protect the progress made in supporting small abattoirs through programmes such as the Small Abattoir Fund and avoid eroding these gains by increasing regulatory costs.