British Meat Processors Association
British Meat Processors Association

Consultations

Our work on Government consultations is an important way to influence and shape policy and legislation before it enters Parliament.

As the leading authority on the meat and meat products industry, BMPA responds to Government consultations that are likely to have an impact on the industry.

The Government produces consultation documents detailing the legislative changes it wants to introduce as part of the policy-making process. It then asks interested parties to comment on those proposals.

Consultations are at the very beginning of the legislative process prior to a bill entering Parliament and BMPA is often best placed to respond with specialist feedback. The collective insights and technical knowledge of our various committees means that BMPA is the voice that Government listens to when shaping future policy.

In addition to responding to consultations, we also submit evidence to House of Commons and House of Lords Committee inquires when relevant. 

Recent consultations and inquiries

Consultation on CCTV in Slaughterhouses

This was a DEFRA consultation seeking views on mandatory CCTV recording in slaughterhouses as an additional monitoring and enforcement measure. BMPA worked with the FSA to establish the best way to maximise the benefits of CCTV and a training package is already being rolled out proactively. To further support these industry measures, BMPA participated in the consultation to help inform policy makers.

House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affiars (EFRA) Committee Inquiry: Access to Labour and the Agri-food sector

The House of Commons EFRA Committee held an inquiry into reported shortages of labour in the agri-food sector and possible long-term solutions. BMPA provided written evidence to the Committee.

House of Lords European Union Committee Inquiry into Brexit and Agriculture

BMPA participated in this wide-ranging inquiry into the effects of Brexit on agriculture which examined withdrawing from the Common Agricultural Policy, future trade in agri-food products, regulatory and financial issues and access to labour.

DEFRA Health and Harmony Consultation

Following the publication of “Health and Harmony: the future of food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit”, DEFRA has announced a public consultation to gather views on their proposed paths forward.

The consultation covers several broad areas of debate:

  • Simplification of the current Common Agricultural Policy and how direct payments would work during an ‘agricultural transition’
  • Improving the efficiency and profitability of farming through knowledge and advice
  • Improving productivity through research and technology
  • Workforce skills gaps in UK agriculture
  • Public money for public goods including environmental outcomes and animal health and welfare standards
  • Supporting rural and remote communities
  • Changing regulatory culture to improve environmental, health and welfare standards
  • Risk management and resilience of farm businesses
  • Ensuring fairness in the supply chain
  • Devolution and how to maintain cohesion and flexibility
  • International trade

While the deadline for submissions is 8 May 2018, the debate that follows will last much longer. BMPA will be an active contributor from the beginning and will ensure that the British meat industry voice is heard on relevant aspects of the new Agricultural Bill as it takes shape.

View the online consultation documents here.

Articles All articles

variety of healthy food types

07 Mar /

consumer studying meat packaging

Labelling / 01 Feb /

Brexit red tape

Borders / 19 Jan /

triangular trade

Trade / 12 Jan /