The government has confirmed it will take action to support sheep farmers following a Defra and Welsh Government six-week consultation in 2024.
The consultation aimed to establish a more transparent and productive sheep sector and ran from the end of January to March 2024 and followed consultations in 2018.
The consultation asked for views on proposals for a mandatory carcass classification and deadweight price reporting scheme for the sheep sector.
“This regulation for the sheep sector has been a long time coming, and it’s a huge positive for sheep farmers up and down the country.”
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton
It also asked for views on the mechanisms for authorising automated grading methods that could be used in England and Wales for the classification of beef and sheep carcasses in abattoirs slaughtering these species.
The new legislation will cover standardising dressing specs, weighing carcasses to 0.1 kg and price reporting for all abattoirs processing more than 2,000 sheep per week will be required to have fully trained and licenced classifiers, with full oversight provided by the RPA.
In a statement, Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “British lamb is rightly recognised worldwide for its exceptional flavour and production standards – and supply chain fairness is vital to ensure farmers and processors are properly rewarded for the quality food they produce.”
The move will ensure producers receive a fair price for their livestock and will bring the sheep sector in line with the beef and pork sectors.
The NFU has worked to secure this ask for more than ten years.
Positive step
To finally see these measures come into force is extremely positive for the GB sheep sector.
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton said: “This regulation for the sheep sector has been a long time coming, and it’s a huge positive for sheep farmers up and down the country.
“The move to mandatory sheep carcass classification, standardising dressing specifications, weighing carcases to 0.1 kg and price reporting for larger abattoirs will bring much-needed transparency and fairness to the sector, benefitting farmers, processors and customers across the wider supply chain.
"The RPA’s role in licensing and auditing will also be vital for the scheme’s success."