US to import UK lamb

EXPORTS of British lamb to the United States are set to resume in January.

The UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has amended the rule which currently prevents imports of lamb from the UK into the US.

The amended “small ruminant rule” will come into force on January 3, 2022.

Defra said that the small ruminant rule (SRR) previously restricted access to the US market for all sheep meat from the UK, as well as a number of other countries including EU member states and Canada.

This development clears the way for Defra to work with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and UK food safety authorities, such as the FSA, DAERA and FSS, and counterparts in the US, in completing the final necessary steps to achieving the full resumption of UK lamb exports to the US.

The US decision comes after President Joe Biden committed to lifting the ban in a meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in

September, and it is estimated that this market will be worth £37m in the first five years of trade.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “The opening of the US market to British lamb is terrific news for Welsh lamb producers, unlocking new exporting opportunities for farmers across the country.

“This historic moment for British farming will help cement the outstanding reputation of our food and drink globally and demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to boosting export opportunities for Welsh produce.”

The UK Government’s Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Today’s great news follows years of negotiations and builds on the success in securing the resumption of UK beef exports to the US.

“UK lamb is renowned for its high quality, food safety and welfare standards.

“Millions of US consumers will now be able to enjoy British lamb as early as next year.

“The US market for lamb is growing as consumer trends change and there are now new opportunities for farmers and meat processors in this market.”