Lifting of US lamb ban to offer boost
FARMING unions and industry bodies have welcomed the lifting of a longstanding ban on exports of British lamb to the US.
America has had a ban on British lamb imports since the late 1980s owing to rules around TSE (BSE controls), but the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week revealed that those restrictions are to be lifted.
It has been estimated that such a move could provide a boost of up to £20m a year for the Welsh sheep sector within five years of those restrictions being removed.
NFU Cymru Livestock Board chairman Wyn Evans said: “After being shut out of the US market for over 30 years, reports that Welsh sheep farmers may soon be able to access this potentially lucrative marketplace are welcome news for the sector.
“Now that this important trade avenue appears to be a step closer to opening, it is vital that the UK Government and the authorities work alongside the whole supply chain so that we are in a position to supply product into the US as soon as the ban is lifted. Our levy body, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) – Meat Promotion Wales, will have an important role to play in marketing and promoting our product to the US market so that we can capitalise on this new opportunity.
“Welsh sheep farmers are extremely proud of the high-quality, sustainable, nutritious and delicious PGI Welsh lamb we produce and are looking forward to the prospect of being able to put this great-tasting product on the plates of American consumers in the near future.”
FUW deputy president Ian Rickman said: “Now more than ever we need to explore other export markets while also protecting our long-established markets in Europe. The US market is one we are keen to develop much stronger relationships with and the news that this ban could soon be lifted is most welcome news for our sheep industry.”
The potential market for PGI (protected geographical indication) Welsh lamb in the USA has been estimated to be worth as much as £20m a year within five years of the export restrictions being removed.
HCC initially led moves to lift the 25-year-long ban back in 2008.
The Welsh red meat body, alongside Welsh Government ministers, subsequently raised the issue several times with US officials.
More recently, the cross-industry UK Export Certification Partnership has been engaged in technical work to help ensure that the industry was ready to resume exports should the ban be lifted.
HCC chief executive Gwyn Howells said: “Achieving market access for lamb to the USA has been a long road, and it looks as if we’re nearly at the end of the journey.
“The ban has not been necessary or justifiable for many years. But it’s taken a long effort and much technical work to overcome the various administrative hurdles.
“There is a promising market for high-quality Welsh lamb in the USA, particularly in the hotel and restaurant trade on the east coast. Research has shown that the trade could be worth £20m a year for the sector if we are able to achieve access and work on developing the market. We look forward to hearing the details behind the announcement and are ready to grasp the opportunity should it arise.”