Out with the old and in with the new. As we approach the end of the year, wouldn't it be great to click our fingers, say hey presto, and bring aboout a desired change. In this case, that would be a full review of the regulatory process of meat inspection in abattoirs, and for risk-assessment and proportionate law enforcement to finally take its place in the governing of our industry.

Our aim in the new year must be to turn this dream into reality. As the full-cost recovery of charges issue moves into 2011, there is no reason why this should not be the case.The law clearly shows that an abattoir operator(FBO)should be given responsibility for compliance with regulations, so lets keep banging that message home. Lets also keep reminding the outside world where the public health importance of veterinary and meat inspection of fresh meat (which of course is what abattoirs produce) really lies in our everyday lives, i.e. very,very low down.

And topically, to progress the new ground that thankfully seems to be emerging since the debate started, the growing unity of major farming groups and meat processors to confront the Food Standards Agency(FSA) and its totally bureaucratic and self-rewarding intentions.

Our main task must be to galvanise and combine these standard-bearers of industry into a tight and effective umbrella group to tackle the FSA head on. Yes, head on.

The stakes could not be higher.

Toby Baker