A PROJECT to build a new IW abattoir could attract up to £280,000 worth of Government aid, the Island’s farming community has been told.
At the IW Council commission set up to investigate the feasibility of creating a local slaughterhouse, SEEDA’s Jonathan King said funding of up to 40 percent of the cost could be available to a scheme meeting the necessary criteria.
Mr King also told over 30 members of the farming community present at the IW Council Commission for business and infrastructure, that SEEDA had already channelled significant funds to help set up an abattoir in Henfield, West Sussex.
After the meeting, Cllr Jonathan Fitzgerald-Bond said he was heartened by that news — and that so many members of the Island’s farming community had attended the meeting.
“It is refreshing that so many people within the industry are taking an interest in this work,” he said.
“It supports what I and other members have believed all along — there is a lot of support for an IW abattoir.
“I was intrigued to hear from Mr King that there are funds available if someone can be found who is prepared to start up such a facility. I thought that was a very positive piece of evidence.”
Cllr Fitzgerald-Bond said: “Mr King told us that it is crucial that the local agricultural community is behind the scheme if it is to be successful. I believe that is very much the case on the Island.
“Certainly the fact that so many attended the meeting demonstrates to me that there is not only a need for an abattoir but also that the farming community is prepared to actively encourage and support it.”
Cllr Fitzgerald-Bond repeated his belief that the IW was well placed to develop its own brand of locally produced meat. “The Island is such a popular place and with its established and progressive farming community and its beautiful countryside, I am sure we could establish a first class brand,” he said.
Also speaking at Wednesday’s meeting of the commission was Nick Allen of the English Beef and Lamb Executive also warned that the abattoir project would need to be driven by a professional business approach.
“Make no mistake it is a rough, tough trade,” he said. “You have to be sharp to survive and people who do succeed are astute businessmen.”
Mr Allen did however indicate that the latest study by his organisation indicated that there would be a gap in the market for a small abattoir on the Island.
The IW Council has set up the commission to look at what it can do to facilitate a new slaughterhouse. It is not itself looking to operate such a facility.
It is thought that a local slaughterhouse could make local meat production more profitable and also benefit animal welfare because travel distances to abattoirs would be reduced.
