In 2020 Marisa wrote and published a report on the need for small scale infrastructure to support local farmers and within that report set out the funding requirement to stop further closures of small abattoirs. Small abattoirs enable short journey times improving animal welfare but also saving farmers money and they provide more added value for farmers enabling them to supply the meat to local butchers, pubs and farmers markets.
The Government has now responded with a £4m fund as the start to this work enabling small scale applicants to bid for equipment and modernisation for their operations.
Marisa said,
"I am delighted that this funding has become a reality and that the report led to recognition of the value of small scale farmers and the infrastructure needed to support them. This money can help to more widely support the many small rural businesses who rely on local meat production whether it is the local pub or the artisan pie maker. We will need more funding and more support as set out in the report but this is a good start. I really value local food production which can support better food security and health in the UK and am keen to continue this work to help our farmers provide sustainable and high quality food."
