Carcase classification and price reporting review

After many years of NFU lobbying and the more recent deadweight market transparency work, Defra has released a 12 week consultation on the introduction of mandatory sheep carcase classification, price reporting and the publication of processing charges. The key parts of the consultation include:

• Mandatory Sheep Carcase Classification – This proposal would bring sheep into line with Beef and Pork, with RPA oversight

• Mandating the use of the (S) EUROP Grid - or other system to consistently and fairly value the carcase

• EU Presentation – The animal must be dressed to a standardised EU specification

• Weighing – The animal must be weighed according to the dressing specification above to the nearest 100grams

• Price Reporting – AHDB currently collect and analyse a voluntary sample within the sheep meat sector, the Defra consultation is proposing to make this mandatory for all abattoirs over a threshold

• Publishing a schedule of Charges– The consultation also asks for views on whether abattoirs should publish a list of charges related to slaughter on their websites

The NFU will be consulting with members at National and Regional livestock boards as well as the National Sheep group.

Please see the NFU briefing below or the full Defra consultation document here.