According to the British Poultry Council (BPC), the lifting of the South Africa poultry trade ban is a “significant milestone” for the British poultry industry.
Nearly eight years since restrictions were imposed on British poultry meat exporters, it has been announced that trade will resume with South Africa.
BPC said the South African market was once the largest for frozen bone-in portions of chicken meat and high value breeding stock, but restrictions in the form of an avian influenza ban have prevented trade of poultry and some breeding stock since December 2016.
As a result, said BPC, the value of British poultry meat exports to South Africa decreased from £30 million in 2016 to nothing.
Since the ban, South Africa has chosen not to recognise UK country freedom following avian influenza outbreaks. Subsequent outbreaks have “hindered efforts to lift barriers” due to South African authorities’ decision not to recognise regionalisation of disease-free areas in the UK.
BPC said the lifting of the ban marked a “significant milestone” for the British poultry meat industry, paving the way for “renewed growth and opportunities” in what was once one of Britain’s biggest markets.
BPC chief executive Richard Griffiths said: “This is an excellent achievement. Our relationships with markets around the world underpin economic growth rght here in the UK.
“Providing half the meat the nation eats and the breeding stock of 70% of all poultry consumed globally, BPC members are actively contributing to both domestic and global food security.
“This is a great example of Government and industry working together to overcome technical trade barriers. Unlocking access to what was once one of our biggest markets is very exciting.
“Thank you to the Defra market access team, plus all officials and industry representatives involved for their support and engagement throughout this process. We look forward to continuing our work together to build, maintain and enhance trading relationships - both existing and new!”
