Beef and lamb exports to US, worth millions, step closer
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published proposals for consultation to relax import restrictions on beef and lamb. The move could see British red meat back on up to 300M US dinner plates by early next year.
A 1,000-page dossier – detailing the safety and quality of British beef and lamb – was sent to the US earlier this year, ahead of trade talks with US agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack in Washington.
The USDA is launching a 60-day consultation on its proposals to relax import restrictions on British red meat. British beef and lamb imports to the US were banned in 1989, after the outbreak of the neurodegenerative disease bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as BSE.
Worth up to £35M
Lamb exports to the US alone are thought to be worth up to £35M to the British economy. British lamb and beef exports to the US combined could be worth up to £60M, it is understood.
Revealing the news at the National Sheep Event, Malvern, Worcestershire, on Wednesday, July 27. Food and farming minister George Eustice said: “The US decision to press ahead with proposals to lift export restrictions on British lamb is great news for our farmers who are one step closer to gaining access to the lucrative American market, worth an estimated £35M a year.”
In addition to forging a good trade deal with the EU, the UK wanted “to secure more export opportunities in the states as well as with our close friends in the Commonwealth and other countries around the world”.
Farmers’ representatives welcome the bid to lift export ban.
‘As many markets as possible’
National Sheep Association (NSA) chief executive Phil Stocker said: “Increasing the number of export destinations for British sheep meat is vital for our industry, ensuring there is demand for our quality product in as many markets as possible.”
Farmers Union of Wales president Glyn Roberts looked forward to Welsh and British lamb and beef becoming available to US consumers by early 2017.
National Farmers Union (NFU) livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said the resumption of exports would be “an important confidence building measure”. See more details in the box below.
Farming unions welcome the news
NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe: “Re-opening the US beef and lamb market to UK imports would be a positive move and an important confidence building measure for the British livestock sector. The US is potentially a huge and affluent market that has strong links to the UK as we share history and language.
“Average lamb consumption per head in the US is relatively small so it will be important to target promotions. It will be critical to identify the right consumers and areas of the US. Strategic planning should start now which involves talking to retailers, food service and import agents.”
FUW president Glyn Roberts: “This could mean that Welsh and British lamb and beef may well be available for US consumers by early 2017 and with that opens an export market to 300M consumers for our first class quality produce
“Now more than ever we need to explore other markets, and the US market is one we are keen to develop much stronger relationships with, so this comes as most welcome news. It will also help us in trade negotiations with our allies in the Commonwealth and other countries around the world.”
