Animal Aid has made a name for itself in recent months by exploiting poor security in processing plants and exposing alleged welfare breaches and acts of cruelty. It is now campaigning for the introduction of CCTV systems to stamp out the problem. MTJ spoke to two leading players in the industry to debate the pros and cons of such a move

The complexities of Northern Ireland's relationship with its neighbouring countries are all too apparent in its meat industry. Northern Irish produce falls under the British brand, but rarely achieves the same farmgate prices as livestock on the mainland. At the same time, it looks with envy at government support across the border.

Pork has been riding high on the hog for the last 12 months, with cash-strapped consumers looking for a more affordable option within the red meat category. But with beef prices starting to tumble, have the days of pork bringing home the bacon come to an end?

When we ran a story about processors in the UK having to build their abattoirs out of glass from 2013 we hoped people wouldn't take the article too seriously. The date the piece appeared should have been a clue: April 1. The idea was that the main thrust "UK slaughterhouses will have to switch to 80% glass in their outside wall construction from 2013" would make a few people laugh.

"We're worried about the sea-change in attitudes, I'll admit that. Every day we have to answer some statement from a scientist, or on a website, or from a celebrity or a crank and it takes up a major chunk of our time."

Going green does not have to  be a hindrance. By diversifying and examining your whole operation, you can even save money and open up new revenue channels. Adam Baker finds out the top green tips in producing, processing and retailing

Like a bus, you wait for a positive story about bacon and two come along at once. Recent research from the US in the past month has revealed some interesting facts about bacon and, if they are to believed, the future of the pig product seems quite bright in terms of eating habits.

When it comes to choosing the Sunday roast, most consumers will plump for a good chunk of beef, but with prices on the high side, and low offers on competing proteins in the supermarkets (two chickens for a fiver, anyone?), beef is struggling to hold its own.

Retail sales of mince (beef, lamb and pork) fell by 1.8% to 163,192t, but grew by 9.9% in value to £709m in the 52 weeks to 29 November 2009, according to TNS data supplied by AHDB Meat Services, with price increases the major factor in the impressive value hike.

Stable prices, and easing of pressure from European Union and a positive outlook by suppliers are all contributing to an upbeat poultry market. Carina Perkins reports

From premium through to value, sausages have ridden out the recession with remarkable ease, reports Adam Baker.

This week the government implemented the third rise in fuel duty in nine months. Experts warn the rise will have a serious impact on the logistics industry and all those who make use of it. Carina Perkins reports

Can lamb hold on to its market share in the face of the economic slowdown or will it lose out to cheaper products, asks Ed Bedington

Adam Baker wonders if halal meat can be the guiding saviour to invigorate a once-great UK livestock sector

The grass is greener in Ireland, but the red meat industry there has had its share of problems over the past few years. Now, though, following a Task Force report, it looks to be turning a corner, as Carina Perkins reports

A strong product image for Welsh red meat coupled with a positive strategic action plan are designed to boost business  for farmers and revitalise a struggling industry sector.  Carina Perkins reports

Pork sales are buoyant, the UK pig herd is stabilising and exports are being boosted by a favourable exchange rate. All in all, the category is having a much better time of it than a year ago. Alyson Magee reports

A gruelling two-wheeled odyssey from London to Paris raised over £40k for charity and put the British meat industry on the map. Ed 'Chris Hoy' Bedington reports

Can the Scotch brand stay strong in the face of dwindling supplies and a consumer credit crunch? Ed Bedington takes a look at some of the issues facing the Scottish meat sector

There has been a major controversy over food labelling in the past year. Adam Baker investigates the effect it is having

From gross misconduct to asking an employee if she is pregnant, the dangers of falling foul can be quite daunting for a business. Anna West and Adam Rice explode a few popular myths

The revival of packed lunches has had a big impact on the cooked meats market, boosting value sales while putting pressure on premium products. Carina Perkins reports

A grassroots reform of qualifications is under way, with the aim of achieving clearer, more employer-specific training. Fred A’Court reports

Buoyant value sales in the UK retail bacon market over the past year are masking stagnant volume sales, supply shortages and potential recessionary woes. Alyson Magee reports

The beef sector has had a good run of rising prices and increased demand, but with the economy teetering on the brink of free-fall, what future for beef? Fred A’Court investigates

The world might be facing a global recession, but if there is one product that is bucking the downward trend, it is mince. Fred A’Court takes a look at the latest developments in the mince market

Shoppers are starting to place economy and value ahead of premium and clean-label when it comes to their weekly shop. Carina Perkins reports on how suppliers are responding.

Despite fears over the economy and concerns about GM-free feed, UK poultry producers are in a relatively upbeat mood, finds Keren Sall

A tough year for UK lamb producers in 2007 has been followed by a more positive start to 2008. But with an economic squeeze looming, the industry will need all the support it can muster in the months ahead. Adam Baker reports

There is some light at the end of the tunnel for the pork industry, but pig farmers will need to hold their nerve if they are to begin to see real return on their efforts, as Keren Sall reports