February 27, 2014

UK to open new markets for its agricultural produce

UK is setting the right environment for its farm businesses to grow by cutting red tape, encouraging innovation and safeguarding plant and animal health, farming Minister George Eustice told the National Farmers' Union Conference in Birmingham.

Eustice said that the priority for the British government over the last year has been to open up new markets for British agricultural produce.

"In the last year alone, we have opened up 112 markets for animals and animal products contributing to an increase of nearly £180 million (US$300 million) in these products to non-EU markets," he said.

He said the latest provisional figures show that exports have grown to nearly £19 billion (US$31.7 billion) in 2013 and there is room to grow even further.

Last year the UK has signed a deal with China on pork that has contributed £9 billion (US$15 billion) of growth in the pork market in addition to £12 million (US$20 million) of growth in hides and skins, Eustice said.

There has also been a deal on pig genetics with China together with live pig exports worth up to £45 million (US$75 million) over five years.

A deal has been secured with Russia for beef and lamb that is worth £100 million (US$167 million) over the next three years.

The government is also to re-launch the Export Action Plan committing the UK to deliver £500 million (US$834 million) worth of business by supporting companies in their international growth by 2015.