US beef and lamb markets could boost British livestock sector
The NFU believes that accessing the US beef and lamb markets would be hugely advantageous for British livestock farmers.
Liz Truss, Defra secretary of state, announced that the country is a step closer to opening up a £60 million a year export boost, following further talks between the UK and the USA to negotiate a deal.
Last October, NFU president Meurig Raymond was in the US, pressing USDA trade officials to open up lamb and beef trade.
Following his return, he then urged the secretary of state to go to Washington to resolve outstanding US concerns.
Last week, the UK submitted a 1,000 page dossier to the US Department of Agriculture, detailing the safety and quality of British beef and lamb.
The US beef market could hugely boost the British livestock sector.
Charles Sercombe, NFU livestock board chairman, explained: “Re-opening the US beef and lamb market to UK imports would be 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.
“Securing access is one thing but building the market is another. We know we have a great product and story to tell and that our grass-fed beef and lamb is up there with the best in the world.”
He continued: “The NFU asks that all those interested in selling beef and lamb in the US are afforded as much help as they need from the UK Government, AHDB and producers to market the product to US consumers. We are currently well placed to exploit any US/EU trade deal and negotiating on our own could delay access.”
Sercombe concluded by saying: “Lamb in 2017 is encouraging – let’s not let a lack of ambition or Government support hold this up or delay it. However, average lamb consumption per head in the US is relatively small so targeting our promotion of both UK beef and lamb will be critical identifying the right consumers and areas of the US will be important.
“Strategic planning should start now which involves talking to retailers, food service and import agents.”
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