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Related Pages Red meat abattoirs in England UK meat product producers |
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Local abattoirs and meat processors are of critical importance to the local and regional food and farming system, taking animals from local farms and supplying local businesses.
We need local abattoirs if we are to conserve our natural and cultural heritage, enjoy a diverse farmed landscape, a dynamic rural economy and a choice of where to shop and what to eat beyond the supermarket shelves.
Maintaining the Landscape
Many of our most cherished landscapes have been created by grazing animals, including coastal marshes, river valleys, moor and heathland. Many of these areas have been designated as of national or international conservation value. These habitats – and many more – rely on continued grazing to maintain their landscape character. Without grazing, the specialised and often unique communities of plants and animals that have evolved with over hundreds or thousands of years with the sheep and cattle would be lost. The livestock grazing these landscapes must have an economic use, have to be slaughtered locally and depend on viable and diverse livestock farming.
Improving Animal Welfare
Local abattoirs reduce the distances that live animals have to travel, minimising stress and reducing the risk of spread of disease.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Local abattoirs reduce food miles and the emissions that contribute to global warming. Co-location of abattoirs and secondary processing further reduces transport.
Supporting Farmers and Ensuring Diversity
Livestock farmers depend on viable access to abattoirs. Smaller producers, in particular, need an abattoir within reach and willing to take in small numbers of animals. Many smaller beef and sheep farmers farm organically, rear rare breeds or sell direct through farm shops and farmers’ markets. Many of these animals are used to graze and manage sites of high conservation value, like SSSIs, nature reserves, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Providing Local Meat for Local Shops and Caterers
Local abattoirs and processors are essential in providing a source of locally produced meat to butchers, other retailers, pubs, restaurants, and other caterers.
Providing Local Meat for the Public Sector
Provision of fully traceable high quality food is especially important in schools and hospitals, which feed the young and weak. Local abattoirs and meat processors play an essential role in supplying the public sector and in guaranteeing quality and traceability.
Serving the Needs of Farmers’ Markets and Farm Shops
Farmers markets and farm shops depend on a local abattoir and butcher to slaughter their livestock and prepare the meat. Without this many existing farm shops and farmers’ markets would be jeopardised and new ones prevented from opening.
Contributing to the Rural Economy
Local abattoirs and processors bring significant benefits to local economies, both through direct employment but also in supporting other businesses, from farmers to retailers and supporting businesses such as banks, builders, accountants and electricians,
Sustaining Tourism
Visitors to areas such as the Suffolk coast are increasingly drawn by distinctive local food. Locally farmed meat of clear provenance can only be provided through local abattoirs and meat processors.
Offering Consumer Choice
Local abattoirs and processors provide consumers with the choice to buy locally produced meat of known provenance.
