The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has launched its first Meat Industry Manifesto, highlighting a concerning trend of declining livestock numbers. This drop has led to a significant reduction in the number of abattoirs, threatening the long-term sustainability of Britain’s food security. The Manifesto emphasizes that various government policies throughout the supply chain contribute to this decline. BMPA is urging the incoming government to take action to reverse this trend and restore growth in the sector. The document outlines what a resilient and well-functioning meat supply chain should look like and details the necessary steps to achieve it.
World-renowned livestock veterinarian and pig consultant Dr. John Carr from Brisbane, Australia, said in reaction to this Manifesto, “I agree the United Kingdom goes from a pig powerhouse to a hobby industry in my lifetime.”
While reflecting on the challenges facing the UK pig farming industry, Dr. Carr took from both personal experience and industry trends. In his 20s, it was evident to him that the aging population of UK farmers would lead to future issues, as many were nearing retirement without a younger generation stepping in.
In 1999, the UK lost the sow stall, which he describes as a mistake due to poor decision-making.
“A lack of real investment in the industry, coupled with the growth of outdoor herds—motivated more by economic factors than welfare concerns—has further exacerbated the problem,” he said. Urban expansion has steadily encroached on farmland, and fewer young people are interested in pig farming due to the demanding 24/7 work expectations.
Dr. Carr also criticized the government for not being more interested in defending pig farming, as doing so often results in negative public responses and votes. Additionally, COVID-19 brought about a crisis in needing to kill pigs due to the pandemic’s impact on the industry. He notes a shift in veterinary interest, focusing more on welfare issues than production, reflecting a broader change in priorities within the sector.
When asked whether Canadian producers could fear the same, Cam Dahl, the general manager of Manitoba Pork, said the growth and sustainability of Manitoba’s hog sector comes from access to processors with international market connections.
“I’m confident this trend will continue, and we may even see further increases, perhaps with Winkler Meats in Winkler, MB or Maple Leaf in Brandon expanding,” said Dahl.
The Canadian industry saw the negative impact that reduced processing capacity at Olymel had on farmers in other provinces, highlighting the critical need to maintain a viable processing sector for hog producers.
“While I don’t see the same level of threat here as we’re seeing in the UK, we are a trading province and country, and growing protectionism poses a threat to both pork and hog exports,” he said.

The BMPA highlighted a drastic drop in the number of UK abattoirs. From around 2,500 in the 1970s, the number has plummeted to just 203. This decline is due to several factors, including falling livestock numbers, burdensome trade barriers, and a significant labour shortage exacerbated by Brexit.
The BMPA warned that this trend poses a serious threat to both consumers and the UK government. Once the industry crosses a critical tipping point, it could lead to a steep decline in domestic farming, greater reliance on imported meat, and the erosion of UK food security, a key concern in the current market.
The new Meat Industry Manifesto by the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) outlined several critical proposals for the government to support the UK meat sector.
The BMPA calls for a government-backed strategy that uses public funds to incentivize productivity while providing a safety net. However, the emphasis is on avoiding embedding inefficiencies and poor practices.
To address labour shortages, the Manifesto suggests better resource allocation for training domestic workers and advocates simplifying hiring skilled butchers abroad.
The BMPA proposes aligning UK standards with EU standards and establishing a common veterinary agreement with the EU to facilitate smoother trade.
The Manifesto recommends classifying “food security” as a public good, ensuring that environmental and agricultural policies reflect the importance of securing the nation’s food supply.
The BMPA stresses the need for UK regulatory standards to match those of any country with future free-trade agreements to maintain fairness and protect the domestic meat industry.
These proposals aim to ensure the long-term resilience of the UK’s meat supply chain and to safeguard national food security. •
— By Harry Siemens