The Farmers’ Union of Wales Anglesey branch held a pie and a pint evening reception at this year’s Anglesey County Show to open up discussions about the possibility of opening a mini abattoir on the Island.
“The reception was well attended including Anglesey leader of the council Ieuan Williams, AM Rhun Ap Iorwerth, MP Albert Owen, local butcher Karl Jones and Gerallt Jones of Menter Môn and was sponsored by Cwrw Llyn, Purple Moose and Butchers Poveys of Chwilog, J T Thomas Llangefni and Karl Jones of Valley Butchers,” FUW Anglesey county executive officer Heidi Williams.
A feasibility study had been compiled by farmers and members of the AGAP group, concluded that an abattoir handling 30 livestock units-a-week could break even, or make a small profit, but start-up costs would be daunting.
However Anglesey farmer Iolo Owen has now offered three acres for a potential site and grants may be available to support the venture.
“It is great news that Karl Jones of Valley Butchers would consider investing if everything fell into place. He has built the reputation of his business on the quality of local produce and sources his produce locally to sell to local people, and by doing so cutting food miles. But since the abattoir in Gaerwen closed, he has been forced to haul stock all the way to Wrexham, then all the way back.
“A small multi-species facility would not depend on large single contracts and as well as retail, it would supply the wholesale and catering sectors, and allow for private kills too.
“This initiative could help fill the gap left by the closure of Gaerwen and a smaller operation would be of huge benefit to farmers on the island. We would like to also thank Sion Aron Jones from Hybu Cig Cymru who gave a presentation on the evening on the outlook of Welsh meat and added that the body would be happy to support any venture that added value to Welsh Meat,” added Mrs Williams.