Abattoirs have until the end of August to contribute to the study.
Abattoir owners and managers are being asked to share economic data about their businesses for a study into the viability of UK abattoirs.
The study, conducted by Newcastle University, aims to identify what steps can be taken to help prevent smaller abattoirs from closing.
It has been funded by the Prince’s Countryside Fund, a charity set up by the Prince of Wales in 2010, that aims to enhance the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of rural life.
The fund said the study comes after the closure of 12 small abattoirs during the past 18 months.
“This research will capture a snap-shot of the viability of small abattoirs across the UK, identify how close other abattoirs are to closure, and identify what steps can be taken to help them,” said the charity in a statement.
“The survey does not ask you to declare the name of your business, and all information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
The survey can be accessed online here and the deadline to respond is 5pm on August 31.
