The new government has been encouraged by rural advocates to continue efforts to reverse the decline of the UK's local abattoir network.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has appealed to the new Defra ministers to provide 'considered and robust support' for small, family-run abattoirs.

For livestock farmers, having access to local abattoirs is a huge priority, but their numbers have dropped significantly over recent years.

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Increasing distances and transportation costs have made some family-run abattoirs unfeasible.

According to the latest estimates, there are only about 50 small abattoirs remaining in England, Wales and Scotland.

Campaigners argue that each closure forces farmers to travel further, putting strain on the remaining abattoirs to handle more animals.

According to RBST, high on the new Labour government's agenda should be measures to enhance the uptake of the Small Abattoir Fund, introduced by the previous administration last December.

Christopher Price, RBSTs chief executive said: “The scheme should be reviewed as a matter of urgency to ensure it is fully accessible by those abattoir owners it is designed to help.”

He added that many of these owners lack the cash flow to cover large upfront costs and often do not have farmers' practical experience with Rural Payment Agency paperwork.

The rural support group also urged the new Defra team to swiftly implement the £3 million investment in new abattoirs, announced in May.

Price stated: "There are now many parts of the country entirely lacking a local abattoir and if sustainable livestock farming is going to survive in those areas, this loss must be reversed urgently.”

He added that ministers should keep urging the EU to agree to similar 'lighter touch' regulations for UK small abattoirs, as seen in much of mainland Europe.

"Post Brexit, we need specific permission from the EU if we are to continue to trade with Europe." he said.

The closure of the only small abattoir in the Yorkshire Dales has been described as a 'disaster' for the rural community, landscape and local food, campaigners warned earlier this year.

McIntyre Meats permanently shut down on March 27 after 23 years in operation, serving 1,800 customers from various businesses.

The family-run business, located in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s constituency in Wensleydale, cited low returns as the reason for closing.

McIntyre Meats customer Graham Bottley said the abattoir’s closure would significantly impact his small business.

“I use the abattoir to kill my mutton wethers that I supply direct to customers,

"The mutton is popular and ships all around the country.” he said.

Without a local abattoir, that element of my business would be far more difficult, and I may be forced to stop doing that entirely."