Farmers say abattoir closures a 'growing problem'

A farmer in Surrey has said the lack of local abattoirs is a serious and growing problem.

James Windridge, head of farming at the Hampton Estate in Seale near Farnham, said he has struggled to find a local alternative after the abattoir he used at Farnborough closed four months ago.

It comes just days after the owner of one of the last remaining small abattoirs in south-east England said he was "incredibly concerned" about the future of the industry.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) spokesperson said: "Small abattoirs make a vital contribution towards maintaining our resilient food supply chain."

Mr Windridge, who manages a herd of Sussex beef cows, told BBC Radio Surrey: "It is affecting small local businesses because there just aren't enough abattoirs you can put your animals through.

"We're just struggling with that whole local aspect at the moment.

"What would be really helpful would be some investment in local abattoirs and less red tape from the government."

Luke Smith, who runs Down Land Traditional Meats in Henfield, West Sussex, and is also a farmer in Dorking, said: "Without more financial support from the government, slaughterhouses may not survive.

"I cannot see more people wanting to come into the industry."

The government said it is "committed to working with the meat processing sector in tackling the challenges they face".

A Defra spokesperson said: "We are investing £5bn into farming, the largest ever budget for sustainable food production, and are unlocking rural growth with reforms to boost farmers' profits."

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