The spread of bluetongue is adding another layer of pressure to an already shrinking UK livestock base. Of particular concern is the potential impact on ram fertility and next year’s lamb crop, with veterinary guidance warning that recovery of breeding soundness after infection can take several months. For processors, any further reduction in livestock availability risks adding to the long-term pressure on abattoir viability and the ‘tipping point’ BMPA has previously warned about.
At the same time, new Food and Drink Federation figures show the UK’s food and drink trade deficit has widened to more than £21 billion, highlighting growing reliance on imports. Together, these issues underline why maintaining a strong domestic livestock and processing sector matters for food security. BMPA is already working with government and farming organisations, including through discussions in Wales, to address falling livestock numbers and strengthen the resilience of the supply chain. You can read our latest article which brings these two themes together to paint the latest picture of UK food security.
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
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Clerkenwell, EC1 0DP
Tel: 020 7329 0776