The consultation ran from 19 March – 12 June and the FSA (Food Standards Agency) invited views and evidence on the FSA’s rationale for change, their proposed revisions to the financial support system, the potential impact of these changes, as well as any alternative views or suggestions. These responses will feed into the final policy.
The plans will apply to abattoirs and game handling establishments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This comes after the NFU and AIMS recently secured a High Court ruling for fair abattoir charges after challenging the FSA over its charging rates.
“Any revision ... must provide meaningful, long-term stability and protect the abattoir network which is fundamental to UK food security.”
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt
Abattoir network vital
In response to the consultation, NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “A resilient network of processing facilities is absolutely vital for the livestock and poultry sectors, maintaining short supply chains, reducing animal transport times and upholding animal welfare standards.”
Robyn went on to explain what the NFU included in its response: “We have outlined the need to ensure that any changes to the FSA discount scheme model, when charging for vets and hygiene inspector supervision, does not place further pressure upon small- and medium-sized abattoirs which are already struggling with rising costs and regulatory burdens.
“Any revision of the FSA discounting model must provide meaningful, long-term stability and protect the abattoir network which is fundamental to UK food security.”
The NFU will continue to engage with policy makers and support members on this issue.
