SMALL ABATTOIRS AND ORGANIC MEAT PRODUCERS

Motion Text

That this House acknowledges the vital role of small independent abattoirs in supporting small farms, including those specialising in organic production; accepts their importance in relation to consumer choice and providing a sufficient affordable range of organic meat products; recognises their role in supporting animal welfare, rare breeds and biodiversity; notes that the current charging structure for Meat Hygiene Service inspections discriminates against small abattoirs; and calls upon the Government to adopt a per head charging system in line with other EU countries to reverse the decline of small abattoirs and to support small organic producers.