Meat man receives RASE award

Norman Bagley, policy director for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), is to receive the Royal Agricultural Society of England's (RASE) top honour, the National Agricultural Award. Mr Bagley has been recognised for his outstanding services to agriculture for his efforts within the meat supply chain.

Humphrey Salwey, chairman of the RASE awards committee, says: "The society is to reward Mr Bagley's hard work in joining producers and processors in the supply chain. His persistence and knowledge have had a major impact on agricultural marketing with the emphasis on the all-important medium and small abattoir sector."

Mr Bagley has a broad knowledge in the livestock industry. His experience includes leading change in abattoirs in 1995 under new hygiene regulations that ensured BSE controls. In 2000 he was invited to serve on the Meat Inspection Charges Task Force, where he produced valuable evidence that medium and small abattoirs contributed to 50% of the UK kill.

His research led to major changes in the abattoir world. Mr Bagley was asked by plant operators to set up a trade association to bring together medium and small abattoirs and maximise their impact. AIMS was established in February 2001, shortly after foot and mouth disease hit the industry.

The association has over 190 members across England and Wales. Membership includes 50 stand-alone cutting plants, small and medium-sized processors and catering butchers, as well as butchers shops with their own abattoirs.

Mr Bagley was instrumental in developing the abattoir and processing standard EN45011 so the sector could become more involved in serving the assured section of the industry. He secured a substantial Defra grant to help deliver the standard, which is run jointly with Assured British Meats. Since its launch in May 2005 over 90 plants have been accredited. Mr Bagley also serves on the EBLEX board.

The award will be presented at the Royal Show charity auction dinner on July 2.