Lizzie seeks clarity on contractual practice review at Downing Street reception

NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson attended a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate Back British Farming Day last week.

The Prime Minister hosted the event and was joined by Defra ministers and farming representatives from across the UK. This was Lizzie’s second invitation to Downing Street in a few months, having attended the Farm to Fork summit in May.

The event was an opportunity for Lizzie to discuss key pig industry issues with Ministers, including Farming Minster Mark Spencer, and others. 

Defra Secretary Thérèse Coffey delivered a speech, during which she pledged to bring forward legislation governing dairy industry contractual practice review by the end of the year.

Defra said it intends to have regulations for the UK pig sector supply chain ready to be introduced to Parliament during 2024. 

Lizzie said: “We are pleased to be invited to Downing Street for the second time this year.  While it would be pushing it to say the event included detailed policy discussions, this was another opportunity to stress our desire at the highest level to ensure the contractual review process is treated as a priority within Government and to press for clarity on the timings.”   

Small abattoir fund

The Department also confirmed more details about the Small Abattoir fund, initially announced in February.

The fund will be worth £4m and will open by the end of 2023. It will be open to red meat and poultry businesses with an annual throughput of up to 10,000 livestock units including beef, pork and lamb, and/or 500,000 birds per year.

It will aim to help improve productivity, enhance animal health and welfare, and encourage investment in new technologies.