She writes:

Each member of the PIP has contributed in some way to this issue of NFU Poultry and the variety of articles produced are testament to their depth of knowledge and experience from across the poultry sector.

Though the programme was turned upside down with the need to go virtual when the COVID-19 restrictions came into force last year, the events and training sessions that had already taken place physically meant that participants had already built solid foundations to form a support network for each other. I hope that this will continue for years to come as they all develop in their roles as industry ambassadors.

The Department for International Trade confirmed that the UK has secured market access to Japan for UK poultry meat as this edition of the magazine went to press. The industry has welcomed the UK-Japan deal and estimates that this market access is worth up to £13 million per year, as consumption of chicken in Japan is growing.

The UK Government said that Japan is renowned internationally for its stringent food safety and import control regime, as well as for its taste for high-quality, varied cuts of meats. The opening of this market for UK fresh and cooked poultry products demonstrates the high standards of UK poultry production methods. This is something that must remain at the forefront of minds of those negotiating future trade deals with other countries.

This market opening follows a series of complex negotiations over the last four years between the UK and Japanese officials to agree specific animal health requirements. It is hoped that the benefits of this development will be felt throughout the UK and right along the supply chain, opening new opportunities for British farmers.