Category: Protein

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has called for the government to press ahead with negotiating a new veterinary agreement with the EU, in a new Meat Industry Manifesto. 

Launching the manifesto, the BMPA warns that the British abattoir industry is under threat from falling farm production, increasingly onerous trade barriers and a systemic labour shortage and points out that abattoir numbers have declined from around 2500 in the 1970s to just 203 today.

“This should worry UK consumers and government alike because, once we go beyond a tipping point where we don’t have a viable abattoir industry, it will lead to a sharper decline in domestic farming, a heavier reliance on imported meat and the loss of a key pillar of UK food security. It’s already happening. Growth is turning to decline,” the association said.

“This might be a contentious statement, but the meat processing industry can survive without British livestock. If necessary, British meat processors could replace meat from UK reared animals with imported meat, and just focus on processing and packaging products for sale. But British livestock farmers can’t survive without abattoirs.”

The 20-page manifesto includes a number of changes the association would like to see, as the new government settles into power.

“The single thing that would bring the biggest benefits to the UK food supply chain and British shoppers alike is a veterinary agreement with our biggest trading partner, the EU,” it states.

Defra secretary Steve Reed has promised to negotiate a new veterinary agreement with the EU to ‘cut red tape at our borders and get British food exports moving again’.

In its manifesto, BMPA says a common veterinary agreement would be ‘a simple, pragmatic solution that would restore our two-way trade in food to the efficient, cost-effective system it was before, but without the need to re-join the EU’.

“A common veterinary agreement would simply formalise the UK’s adherence to the food standards that it must already follow in order to trade with the EU. And it would do away with the mountain of red-tape and extra cost that the industry is currently labouring under.”

Alongsie, this the manifesto calls for ‘formal alignment with EU sanitary and phytosanitary regulations’ to facilitate trade both ways.

It urges the government to ‘match British Standards with those of our new trading partners with whom we sign free trade agreements’ and for ‘any requirements or standards that are developed from newly developed environmental metrics should be proportionate, so food producers can reasonably comply with them’.

You can read the full manifesto, including more recommendations, HERE

BMPA CEO Nick Allen said: “Since we left the EU the British meat industry has come under pressure from increased bureaucracy, tougher trade barriers and worker shortages. Government policy has played a dominant role and shaped the current trading environment.

“But many policy decisions have been made in a departmental vacuum, without a full understanding of the impacts and unintended consequences they will have on different parts of the food chain. Often, one problem is fixed, only to create another.

“We see the election of a new Labour government as an opportunity to re-set how government and industry work together to share on-the-ground intelligence that will help shape pragmatic, workable policies that strengthen Britain’s long-term food security. Our Meat Industry Manifesto sets out that ideal big picture and offers practical solutions to achieve it.”

Christensen Farms, one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the United States, is pleased to announce the promotion of Greg Howard to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This strategic leadership change comes as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to growth and excellence in the pork industry. As previously announced last year, Glenn Stolt indicated his intention to retire after 14 years with the company, 12 years as President and CEO following the passing of Bob Christensen in 2012.

“The promotion of Greg Howard demonstrates our commitment to strong leadership and continuous improvement. The combined experience and vision of Greg and the organization’s Leadership Team will keep the company grounded in principles that drove success over the past 50 years and propel Christensen Farms to great achievements in a dynamic industry,” Mary Ann Christensen, Christensen Farms Owner and Board Chair, reflected. “I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Glenn for his outstanding leadership over so many years. He provided the guidance needed under unanticipated circumstances, and his vision has been foundational in setting Christensen Farms up for long-term viability, sustainability, and success.”

In addition to Greg’s promotion, Christensen Farms is delighted to welcome Shane Steffensen as Vice President (VP) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Shane joined the company in May of 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in financial management, operational leadership and strategic planning. Prior to joining Christensen Farms, Shane served as Chief Operating Officer for Lubrication Technologies Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of highly engineered lubricants and specialty chemicals.  Prior to Lubrication Technologies, he spent 17 years with G&K Services, Inc., a large business services organization, serving in various leadership roles in accounting, finance, treasury and risk management.  Prior to that, Shane also spent time at Moyle Petroleum Co. after starting his career with ComputerLand.

“I am both humbled and honored to take the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Christensen Farms,” stated Greg Howard. “It is a privilege to lead this incredible organization and work alongside all the dedicated and talented team members across the company. Together, we will continue to build upon our strong foundation, uphold the visionary legacy of our founder, and drive our mission forward into the future. I also welcome Shane to an already talented and passionate team.”

Stolt will remain as a Director on the Christensen Farms Board. He will also continue to represent Christensen Farms on the Triumph Foods Board of Directors, ensuring continuity and ongoing guidance for the company’s strategic direction within the broader pork supply chain.

“I am humbled yet grateful to have had the privilege to lead this organization over the past 12 years. As I transition to a sole governance role on the Board, I look forward to serving Christensen Farms in a different capacity allowing me to remain connected to the company’s bright future while enjoying a new chapter in my life. I have full confidence in Greg’s ability to lead this organization forward with continued success,” commented Glenn Stolt.

Perdue Farms is donating 400,000 pounds of no-antibiotics-ever chicken to 10 food banks along the East Coast from Delaware to Georgia as part of its Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors outreach. These donations, the equivalent of 333,000 meals, are part of Perdue Farms’ commitment to alleviate food insecurity in its communities and coincides with Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action.

“As someone who faced the pressures of hunger firsthand as a child, I can say that food insecurity impacts more people than we realize, unfortunately including 1 in 5 children. As a food and agriculture company, we’re committed to fighting hunger in the communities we call home and beyond,” said Todd Tillemans, chief commercial officer at Perdue Farms. “During Hunger Action Month, we want these donations to increase awareness, help feed our neighbors, and spur action from organizations.”

Throughout Hunger Action Month, Perdue Farms will be donating 40,000 pounds of protein – enough to fill a semi-trailer truck – to the following food banks:

• Blue Ridge Area Food Bank – Virginia
• FeedMore – Virginia
• Food Bank of the Albemarle – North Carolina
• Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Sand Hills Branch – North Carolina
• Food Bank of Delaware
• Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore
• Harvest Hope Food Bank – South Carolina
• Maryland Food Bank
• Middle Georgia Community Food Bank
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina – North Carolina and South Carolina

“This generous donation from our long-standing partner, Perdue Farms, will positively impact the lives of our Delaware neighbors struggling with food insecurity every day, but especially this Hunger Action Month,” said Cathy Kanefsky, president and CEO of Food Bank of Delaware. “At the food bank, we are committed and proud to provide nutritious food that can improve the health and well-being of our community members facing food insecurity, and donations such as this provides access to quality protein that is otherwise more difficult to come by.”

This donation marks another significant contribution in Perdue’s ongoing commitment to alleviate food insecurity in America, which affects one in seven people. Since 2000, Perdue Farms has donated more than nearly 100 million pounds of protein to the Feeding America network of food banks. Perdue was one of the first meat companies to implement a formal program of ongoing donations of perishable protein products. The Hunger Action Month commitment doesn’t stop there. Perdue is also investing $140,000 in hunger relief programs with a focus on childhood hunger through initiatives such as school pantries, backpack programs and school mobile pantries.

Source: Perdue Farms