Japanese inspections raise hopes of UK exports
Reopening the Japanese beef market on UK exports has been firmly placed back on the table, following inspections of beef production controls across the UK by a Government delegation last week.
George Eustice.
Officials from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as its Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare toured farms, laboratories and abattoirs to learn about the UK’s food hygiene controls, more than 20 years after the BSE outbreak.
The six-day visit was organised by AHDB and Defra, working alongside APHA, FSA, UKECP and other bodies including devolved levy boards and Governments, to demonstrate to Japanese delegates the high quality standards and welfare behind the UK’s beef sector.
The inspections finished last Friday with an evaluation of the visit, as well as a discussion on the next steps for the Government and industry that was welcomed by farming and livestock experts.
AHDB’s international market development director, Phil Hadley, commented that the visit represented “another important step for UK beef on global stage”, adding: “Japan is a lucrative market for specific premium beef products and this visit has the potential to create a number of exciting opportunities for UK exporters.”
Farming Minister, George Eustice, praised the visit and stated: “The UK’s beef sector is a global success story – worth more than £2.8 billion in production with exports going to 84 countries around the world.
“Opening the market to Japan could boost the industry by an estimated £15 million each year, driving growth for our farmers and producers and increasing our global reputation for great taste and quality.”
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