British lamb has now been exported to the USA for the first time in over 20 years.
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.
James Wright, Farmer and Cabinet Member for the Environment and Rural Affairs says
There is nothing more British than Roast Lamb and now millions of Americans will be able to enjoy it, as access to their market has opened up.
The opportunity to export food produced by British farmers is enormous – bringing jobs, skills and prosperity across the nation. I am delighted that this is the first of many markets being opened up for farmers in Horsham District and across the nation to fulfil.
