£3m fund announced for new and mobile abattoirs
May 24, 2024 10:17 amDefra is set to provide £3 million to support the creation of new and mobile abattoirs in England through the Farming Investment Fund, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as part of a wider package of support for the food and farming sector at the Farm to Fork Summit on 14th May.
This funding is in addition to the existing £4 million Smaller Abattoir Fund announced in December 2023, which runs until 30th September 2024 and provides 50% grants to support the existing network of smaller abattoirs across England.
Commenting on the new fund, John Mettrick, Chair of the Abattoir Sector Group, said, “We welcome the announcement that funding will be available for new abattoirs. It is encouraging government has recognised that as abattoirs have been closing there are areas devoid of services. We are grateful to government for listening to feedback from the Abattoir Sector Group and taking action to support the creation of new abattoirs.”
Megan Perry, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the Sustainable Food Trust (SFT), said, “We are delighted the Government are taking such significant steps to support this vitally important sector. New abattoirs are desperately needed to replace those that have been lost in recent years. The release of these funds alongside work carried out through the Defra Small Abattoir Working Group and Small Abattoir Task and Finish Group, indicates a clear recognition from Government that smaller abattoirs are key to a sustainable and resilient local meat supply chain.”
The Abattoir Sector Group encourages anyone interested in setting up an abattoir to get in touch. The group will be on hand to provide further information and direct people to the relevant support should they wish to proceed with an application.
For more information, please contact:
Megan Perry
Head of Policy and Campaigns, Sustainable Food Trust