July 11, 2024

UK meat production fell by 3.7% last year, according to government report

The UK government's annual Agriculture in the United Kingdom report has found that meat production declined by 3.7% in 2023, marking the first decrease in total production in over a decade.

Over 70% of this decline was due to a significant 11% reduction in home-fed pig production. However, total meat production is still 13% higher than a decade ago at 4.1 million tonnes.

Additionally, the total value of production increased by 5.8% to £10.9 billion last year, following price rises for cattle, pigs, and poultry.

Government figures published last October also show that per capita meat consumption fell by 14% between 2012 and 2022, reaching the lowest level since records began in the 1970s. This was true across all types of meat, but particularly notable for red meat. Rising prices were believed to be a key factor, along with lifestyle changes as consumers become more concerned about animal welfare, sustainability, and their health.

- Vegconomist