The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

Farmers' views sought to save small abattoirs from 'devastating' inspection charge increases

How vital are abattoirs to farm businesses and what impact does a closure have to a business?

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Megan Perry, head of policy and campaigns at the Sustainable Food Trust, said: "Abattoirs have already declined from 2,500 in the 1970s to just 200 today and further closures will leave farmers with nowhere to go. From our initial research, it is clear that losing these services could have a devasting impact for local meat businesses and sustainable livestock farming."
Image:

Megan Perry, head of policy and campaigns at the Sustainable Food Trust, said: "Abattoirs have already declined from 2,500 in the 1970s to just 200 today and further closures will leave farmers with nowhere to go. From our initial research, it is clear that losing these services could have a devasting impact for local meat businesses and sustainable livestock farming."

A new survey has been launched to understand how vital abattoirs are for farmers and their businesses as pressure mounts on the impact potential increased cost changes could have on the sector. Organisations...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Business

Trump opens up cheaper red diesel for road users, could Britain follow?

Trump opens up cheaper red diesel for road users, could Britain follow?

Donald Trump has opened up red diesel in the US in an effort to cut high fuel costs. With British farmers among those most exposed to diesel prices, could the UK follow at the Budget?

Tom Ryder
clock 07 October 2026 • 4 min read
Lidl increases GB farm spend by £400m

Lidl increases GB farm spend by £400m

Fresh meat and poultry suppliers saw the biggest rise, with spend up 15%, while around two-thirds of Lidl’s products are now British-sourced

Jane Thynne
clock 06 October 2026 • 2 min read
Introducing the finalists for the British Farming Awards 'Agricultural Supplier of the Year' award 2026

Introducing the finalists for the British Farming Awards 'Agricultural Supplier of the Year' award 2026

Taking place on October 15 at VOX in Birmingham, The British Farming Awards will welcome industry professionals from across the country to celebrate British agriculture and the successes it has had this year

Farmers Guardian
clock 06 October 2026 • 5 min read