In Canada the number of abattoirs has been falling significantly since 1999, shrinking down to just over one hundred abattoirs. Canada now is heavily reliant on large scale meat processors.
As was shown during the summer as a result of the pandemic, these plants are vulnerable to outbreaks slowdowns and interruptions. Having so few places to send market livestock has forced many smaller producers to take over abattoirs or to transport livestock longer distances.
Lengthy registration processes and restrictions put in place for abattoirs can often deter new small farm entrants from entering the market. There is no shortage of farmers in need of meat processing services and as the number of plants continues to decline, many older plants have re-opened to meet the demand.
There has also been limited growth in mobile abattoirs. Many small farms are considering small co-ops and partnerships to create or use existing abattoirs instead of turning to the large meat processing plants.
How will small farmers manage in the coming years? The path forward does not seem straightforward.