This set of priorities was sent to the Farming Minister, Daniel Zeichner, alongside a letter from members of the ASG steering group. The letter follows the parliamentary debate on 8th May, which highlighted the importance of small abattoirs, and calls on Government to take a proactive, delivery-focused approach.

 

In light of yesterday's announcement - as part of the UK-EU deal - to work towards establishing a common sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) area (also known as a veterinary agreement), one of the ASG's recommendations is for Government to finalise and implement the "5% Rule". This rule would allow smaller abattoirs with a combined throughput of up to 5% of Great Britain's national throughput to benefit from flexible attendance for post-mortem inspections, thereby reducing the amount of time a vet must be present. 

 

This, along with the wider set of priorities outlined, would help build a thriving network of small, local abattoirs - supporting farmers, boosting economic growth and rural employment, and strengthening food system resilience.