British lamb has now been exported to the USA for the first time in over 20 years.
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The United States Department for Agriculture (USDA) agreed to open the market for British lamb last year, and following the necessary inspections, the first consignment was flown to the USA this week containing lamb produced by meat processors Dunbia from its site in Carmarthenshire, Wales.
Industry estimates the US-market will be worth £37 million in the first five years of trade, opening up access for British farmers to a market of over 300 million American consumers to enjoy the United Kingdom’s world-renowned lamb, part of the government’s work to boost exports and grow our economy.
The deal agreed last year comes alongside the wider efforts across government to drive growth and open up new opportunities for the British food and farming sector, in turn boosting jobs, skills and productivity across the country.
This includes capitalising on new trade freedoms outside the EU through export opportunities, ensuring that premium products are not just enjoyed at home but championed around the world.
Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: "Seeing our world-class lamb back on American menus is fantastic news for our farmers. Now they can sell to a consumer market of over 300 million people, which support jobs and growth in a vital British industry.
"It also shows our two nations working together to remove barriers and boost trade, building on recent resolutions on steel tariffs, and whisky exports."
Dr Richard Irvine, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "This represents a major achievement for the UK lamb industry. We are proud of our food safety and the quality of food we are able to produce.
"Gaining access for the export of British lamb to the USA represents another success for British industry, in addition to the existing agreements enabling beef and pork exports from the UK to the USA."
This announcement follows a string of export successes in the last two years including the first export of beef to the USA in decades and the first ever export of British pork to Chile. ■