The UK Government has launched the £4 million Smaller Abattoir Fund to increase the sustainability and efficiency of smaller red meat and poultry abattoirs across England. Announced on 13 December 2023 by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), and The Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP, this initiative aims to empower smaller abattoirs to enhance productivity, improve animal health and welfare, add value to primary products, and foster innovation through new technologies.
Key Objectives of the Fund:
The Smaller Abattoir Fund will provide capital grants ranging from £2,000 to a maximum of £60,000 for eligible abattoirs. These funds will support various capital investments, including cold storage units that can expand refrigeration capacity, enabling abattoirs to increase production rates and reduce waiting times for farmers.
The fund aligns with the government's commitment to advancing animal health and welfare standards, including funding to improve facilities for stressed animals during loading and transport operations ensuring ethical treatment throughout the entire process.
The Smaller Abattoir Fund is a result of collaboration between Defra, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Abattoir Sector Group, and the meat industry.
Application Process and Eligibility:
The application window for the Smaller Abattoir Fund is anticipated to open in early 2024 until 30 September 2024, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible abattoirs, both mobile and static, can submit up to three applications, with a maximum funding cap of £60,000 per abattoir business. Find out more here.
When applying for the fund, applicants will need to clearly demonstrate how the item or project they would like to be funded fits in to one or more of the Fund’s outlined aims to: improve productivity; enhance animal health and welfare; add value to primary products; and encourage innovation and investment in new technologies.
NFU Energy's Support for Eligibility:
NFU Energy can help assist abattoirs in becoming eligible for the Smaller Abattoir Fund by conducting energy efficiency audits and recommending energy saving measures tailored to their operations. Beyond audits, NFU Energy also offers feasibility studies that provide you with valuable insights and guidance to assess the viability of incorporating renewable energy technologies into your energy strategy.
As the application window opens, consider partnering with us to maximise your chances of securing funding. Together, we can create a more sustainable and efficient future for your abattoir operations. Contact us today on 024 7669 6512 or email [email protected] to explore how our services can contribute to your eligibility and success with the Smaller Abattoir Fund.