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North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster Abattoir Study
Building Long-Term Capacity and Resilience in Our Local Meat Supply Chains
Stakeholder Survey
Access to affordable and suitable abattoir and cutting facilities are crucial to the viability of livestock farms, conservation initiatives, meat businesses and our local food system. In 1970 there were 1146 abattoirs licensed to slaughter red meat livestock species in Great Britain, by 2020 the number had fallen to 213. We have lost more since then, particularly small/local abattoirs undertaking private kills.
The sad news that Long Compton abattoir, which has served farmers across Gloucestershire, West Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and beyond, may close in 2024, is a critical blow. This announcement has led to a flurry of activity to try and save the abattoir and to consider local alternative solutions. Time is of the essence and the sector must now pull together.
This study, coordinated by the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster, is just one piece of the jigsaw. It has been commissioned to help guide decision making, to explore how we can build long term capacity and resilience in our local meat supply chains, and to ensure our farmer members have a voice in any future abattoir developments.
While we are exploring the Long Compton closure and supporting rescue opportunities, we are also looking at the wider issues such as the venison supply chain and longer term needs e.g. building additional capacity and filling training gaps.
This survey is an important element of the study. All responses, whether you are a cluster member or otherwise, will help inform and guide future direction.
If you are a local farmer, grazier, butcher, slaughterman, retailer, wholesaler, chef, food campaigner, policy maker or funder, we would love to hear from you. All views are welcome.
The survey only takes 15 minutes to complete and you can remain anonymous if you wish. Thank you for participating.