Speaking at the opening of the National Sheep Event in Worcestershire, the minister will confirm the US Department of Agriculture has published proposals for a consultation to relax import restrictions on lamb that could generate an extra £35million for the UK economy.
This step forward means that British lamb is on track to be available for US consumers by early 2017.
NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said: “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.”
The move is the latest in ongoing efforts to allow Britain’s farmers to start exporting sheep meat to the United States’ 300 million consumers. A 1,000-page dossier was submitted to the USDA detailing the safety and quality of British beef and lamb ahead of April’s trade talks with US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, in Washington.
Mr 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 £35 million a year.
"Our world-leading food and drink industry is a key part of our nation’s economic success and in addition to forging good trade deals with our European neighbours, we want to secure more export opportunities around the world.”
Related Links