Carmichael highlights need for abattoir network reconstruction in sheep farming debate

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has spoken out in Parliament this week on the need to rebuild local abattoir networks across the UK. Speaking in a debate on sheep farming yesterday [Wednesday], Mr Carmichael noted the need to tackle the “imbalance” between family farms and the bigger players by building up local infrastructure.

Intervening in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“On the imbalance between the small operators—as people are predominantly in the sheep sector—and the bigger players, one thing that the public sector could do to add a bit of value would be to support the reconstruction of a network of local abattoirs. That is a genuine opportunity to put in place meaningful and direct support for the small farmers and small units that he is talking about.”

Responding, Labour MP Joe Morris, leading the debate, said:

“Many farmers who are small operators have expressed their frustration to me about people assuming that the majority of farmers are incredibly wealthy and can shoulder the burdens. I am reminded of the current Leader of the Opposition (Rishi Sunak), saying to the National Farmers Union conference that a lot of farmers did not do it for the money—forgive me if that is not a direct quote. It was brought up at an NFU roundtable during the election campaign and was a source of genuine anger.”

Reacting after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“Livestock farming is a keystone of the isles economy but we cannot take its future for granted. We are fortunate in the UK and particularly in the isles that family farms, tied to the local community, are the norm. That close community link is something we can encourage and reward by rebuilding local infrastructure such as abattoirs, which have previously been consolidated to the detriment of smaller producers.

“Benign neglect cannot be the answer. If ministers want rural communities to thrive then they should support the infrastructure that we need.”