New markets for Welsh meat

New markets for Welsh meat

The news that Japan is to lift its old restrictions on importing beef and lamb from the UK is set to provide a significant boost to the Welsh red meat sector in developing export markets outside the EU.

Lesley Griffiths AM and Shane Williams join to promote Welsh Lamb at last year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

The news was announced during the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the UK and comes after a long period of discussions involving Japanese authorities and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) of which Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is a partner.

HCC welcomed the lifting of the ban and outlined some of its ambitious plans to develop the market.

Late last year, HCC linked up with rugby player Shane Williams, in promoting Welsh Lamb as a healthy convenient meal.

In addition, alongside other UK meat bodies such as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), HCC will be attending the Foodex fair with Welsh meat exporters in March to develop trade in Japan.

Opening new markets outside the EU is a key objective of HCC’s Enhanced Export Programme, funded by a Welsh Government grant of £1.5 million over three years.

The programme received another boost with an announcement in late 2018 by the Indian government that it has agreed export conditions for UK sheepmeat.

Rhys Llywelyn, HCC’s market development manager, said: “One of the greatest barriers to growing Welsh red meat exports is the historic ban on UK lamb and beef which some countries retain.

“Japan and India are among the countries we’ve been prioritising in terms of achieving market access, working as part of UKECP.

“We met with Japanese government inspectors during their visit to Britain in the summer and have been proactive in providing all the reassurance they need on the excellent quality and traceability of Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef.

“The Japanese market also demands beef tongue and other types of offal, often at higher prices than these products command in the UK. And the fact that Shane Williams has already put Wales on the map in Japan can only help.”

Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “This lifting of export restrictions is great news for the Welsh red meat sector and shows that the Enhanced Export Programme, driven by HCC, is delivering results.

“The timing of this announcement from Japan is to be welcomed given the uncertainties Brexit presents, opening an additional avenue for export outside of the European Market.

“The major Foodex fair in Tokyo in March this year will offer HCC and Welsh red meat processors further opportunity to develop trade and the Rugby World Cup in Japan will provide a great opportunity to raise the profile of Wales to Japanese consumers.”

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