A spatial analysis of the robustness of the private kill abattoir network in the UK: proof-of-concept study

Franks, J. R., Hepburn, J. and Peden, R. S.E. (2023) A spatial analysis of the robustness of the private kill abattoir network in the UK: proof-of-concept study. British Food Journal, 125(8), pp. 2721-2736. (doi: 10.1108/BFJ-01-2022-0081)

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the impacts of long-term trends in the closure of abattoir businesses in the UK on the robustness of the network of abattoirs which provides private kill services. Design/methodology/approach: This proof-of-concept study uses responses from a farmer and an abattoir survey in a spatial analysis to help visualise the private kill network. Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the impacts of possible further closures of private kill abattoirs on the robustness of the private kill network. Findings: In August 2020, 18% of the area of the UK was more than 45 km from a private kill abattoir, 21% was serviced by one, 14% by two and 47% by three or more abattoirs. After randomly removing 9 and 18% of private kill abattoirs, to reflect the current trend in the closure of private kill abattoirs, the area of the UK more than 45 km from a private kill service and the areas with one and two providers increased, whilst the area with three or more providers decreased for each scenario. This approach, therefore, can be used to quantify the network's resilience to further closures. Research limitations/implications: The additional information that would be needed to allow this approach to help policymakers identify strategically valuable abattoir businesses is discussed. Originality/value: No other national or international study has attempted to quantify the robustness of the network of private kill abattoirs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors gratefully acknowledge The Prince’s Countryside Fund funding this project.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hepburn, Miss Jessica
• Authors: Franks, J. R., Hepburn, J., and Peden, R. S.E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: British Food Journal
• Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0007-070X
• ISSN (Online): 1758-4108
• Published Online: 24 January 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited
• First Published: First published in British Food Journal 125(8):2721-2736
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy