The UK's agri-food and drink attachés have secured British sheep and goat breeders access to Kenya's 46 million-strong livestock market after the UK government struck a deal on exporting genetic material.
The deal, which is estimated to be worth around £700,000 a year according to industry estimates, marks a win for the UK livestock sector and builds on the UK's global reputation with genetics stock exported to more than 100 countries.
Kenya's predicted rise in sheep and goat numbers creates sustained demand for genetics, bringing economic opportunity to UK livestock sector and delivering on the government's Plan for Change.
Delivering results
The agri-food attachés network, created after extensive NFU campaigning, plays a key role in building and maintaining the right operating environment for UK exporter interests in overseas markets.
Established at the 2023 Farm to Fork Summit, the network is part of the NFU's ambition to grow UK agri-food exports by 30% to £33 billion by 2030.
NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton said: “Agri-food attachés play a vital role in flying the flag for British agriculture abroad and helping deliver new opportunities for export growth for the industry.
“The NFU long called for government investment in dedicated agri-food representatives overseas and it is great to see the attaché network delivering results for the industry.
“The NFU long called for government investment in dedicated agri-food representatives overseas and it is great to see the attaché network delivering results for the industry.”
NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton
“The market access which has been secured in Kenya is a win for the UK livestock sector, supports UK breeders, research institutions and rural businesses, and has the potential to add value to primary producers.
“It all demonstrates that UK genetics are valued for their eating quality, their productivity and their place in our environment.”
UK agriculture defined by high quality
The agreement builds on demand for a range of UK genetics. UK rams derived from imported embryos are selling for record prices in Argentina, while UK pig breeders have pioneered the use of frozen semen to export high-quality genetics to countries affected by African Swine Fever, significantly reducing the disease risks associated with transporting live animals.
Earlier this year, Turkmenistan opened up its market to the UK for high-value poultry genetics, worth a quarter of a million pounds a year.
Minister for Food Security Dame Angela Eagle said: “UK livestock genetics have earned a global reputation for excellence, with countries around the world seeking out our breeding stock to strengthen their agricultural sectors and improve food security.
“It was a pleasure to meet with our agri-attachés last week and hear first-hand about the excellent work they are doing to champion UK agriculture across the globe.
“This new opportunity with Kenya demonstrates the global demand for the high quality that defines UK agriculture. This is exactly the kind of international collaboration that strengthens both our agricultural sector and our trading relationships worldwide as part of our Plan for Change.”
