Bob Seely, who is looking to work with the Island’s NFU and livestock farmers to deliver a small abattoir on the Island, met with farming minister, Mark Spencer, this week to again press the Island’s case.
Currently, most livestock is taken from the Island to an abattoir on the mainland, but Mr Seely explained to the minister it was not a long-term solution for the Island.
Mr Seely said: “I wanted to catch up with the Minister to reiterate the Island’s case for a small abattoir so that we can keep livestock on the Island, which is more humane, reduce food miles and make it easier to ensure that meat sold as Isle of Wight meat is actually from the Island.
“The Minister is keen to hear our case and he’s open to ideas so I’m organising a meeting with our NFU and livestock farmers at the earliest opportunity so that we can go back to him with a clear position.
“I’m eager to move this forward and see what can practically be done to deliver some kind of slaughter facility on the Island that meets the needs of Island farmers.”
Mr Seely will be meeting with Island farmers and NFU members soon.
