MOBILE ABBATOIRS ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT SMALL PRODUCERS IN THE REGION, SAYS EMMA RODDICK MSP

MSP for the Highlands & Islands Emma Roddick has urged the Scottish Government to allocate more funding for mobile abattoirs in the region.

The Scottish Government allocated £180k last year from the Small Producers Pilot Fund, which aims to support microbusinesses in Scotland, to support two mobile abattoirs.  

Emma urged the Scottish Government in Parliament last week to consider further funding to assist small producers who do not live near an abattoir.

Emma said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting our agricultural sector, as shown through the Small Producers Pilot Fund, which is there to assist small producers and crofters to produce food locally.

“But, I know that there are still many people in my region who struggle to travel to Dingwall or Mull – journeys that often include multiple ferries and/or lengthy road trips for farmers and their animals – to access an abattoir. I know they are keen that mobile abattoirs become normal sight for agricultural workers to avoid such stressful travel.

“I was glad to get reassurance from the Minister for Agriculture, Jim Fairlie, that the Scottish Government is actively working with small producers to ensure the right support for their needs is developed with them, and it will continue to look into funding for more abattoirs.

“The agricultural industry is so important to the region, and I will continue to push for increased support to ensure needs are met.”