The decline in abattoirs and securing the future of British meat production

By Chris Wright, Partner and ARA specialist

A sharp decline in the number of abattoirs across the UK has the potential to cause serious problems for the British meat industry.

From around 2,500 in the 1970s to just 203 in 2024, the drastic reduction in abattoirs has raised concerns about the future of British meat production and food security.

According to the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), this trend threatens to undermine the sustainability of livestock farming in the UK, making it more difficult for farmers to maintain operations.

The abattoir crisis

The BMPA’s new ‘Meat Industry Manifesto’ highlights the risk posed by the abattoir closures.

With fewer abattoirs, farmers are forced to travel greater distances to process their livestock, increasing costs and putting a strain on small, family-run farms.

This creates a dangerous cycle where, as more abattoirs close, those remaining struggle to keep up with rising demand.

Without local abattoirs, farmers face escalating costs which could push some out of business entirely.

As the BMPA warns, while the meat processing industry could, if necessary, survive by switching to imported meat, British livestock farmers cannot survive without a functioning domestic abattoir network.

The financial impact on farmers

For farmers, the decline in abattoir numbers translates directly into higher operating costs.

Increased distances mean longer travel times, more fuel consumption, and higher transportation costs.

As smaller abattoirs disappear, farmers may find themselves in a position where they must compete for limited processing slots at larger facilities, further driving up prices and extending waiting times.

Farmers who previously relied on nearby, family-run abattoirs must now absorb additional costs, which could render their businesses unsustainable.

At a time when inflation and supply chain disruptions are already putting pressure on agricultural budgets, the rising cost of accessing processing facilities could become a make-or-break issue for many livestock producers.

Practical steps to lessen the impact

Despite these challenges, there are steps farmers can take to mitigate the impact of the abattoir crisis on their business operations.

One of the most effective ways to reduce costs associated with transportation is by working together with other local farms.

By pooling resources and sharing transportation to more distant abattoirs, farmers can cut down on individual costs.

Local farming cooperatives can also help to increase bargaining power when negotiating with abattoirs and other service providers.

Farmers may also consider exploring more direct sales models, such as farm shops, farmers’ markets, or subscription services, where they process meat independently and sell it directly to consumers.

This approach can increase profit margins and provide a buffer against rising operational costs, though it requires investment in marketing and logistics.

The previous Government recognised the challenges facing smaller abattoirs and introduced the £4 million Smaller Abattoir Fund to help support them.

Farmers should explore grant opportunities and available funding designed to keep smaller abattoirs operational.

Focusing on sustainability and innovation

In the long term, the UK meat industry must focus on sustainability, innovation, and building resilience.

The BMPA’s manifesto outlines practical solutions to the current crisis, from addressing labour shortages to reducing trade barriers and ensuring the abattoir sector is properly supported.

Farmers should look to innovative solutions such as on-farm processing facilities or mobile abattoirs, which could provide localised, cost-effective options for meat processing.

Investment in technology and infrastructure will also guide the future success of the British meat industry.

Farmers who embrace new technologies may find themselves better positioned to withstand the current challenges and remain competitive.

For assistance with managing your farm’s finances or advice on mitigating these pressures, please speak with us today.