September 5, 2008

UK's beef exports have shown steady on-year growth since mad cow restrictions were lifted and 35,000 tonnes were shipped in the first half of the year worth close to GBP 90 million, about 35 percent above the previous year's levels.

Overseas trade for beef and lamb exports was worth more than GBP 200 million in the first half of the year, up nearly 30 percent compared to the same period last year.

The strong performance indicated that beef and lamb exports made a strong recovery from the effects of Foot and Mouth disease in the first half of 2008 according to EBLEX, the beef and lamb sector company. The UK regained its FMD-free status in late February this year after a series of outbreaks in August and September last year in Surrey.

Lamb exports accounted for about 30 percent of UK production and the first half of the year saw tonnage up seven percent and value up more than 20 percent to GBP 116.2 million.