British lamb exports to the United States of America will resume in early January after more than two decades.
Defra announced that after extensive risk evaluations, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has amended the small ruminant rule which currently prevents imports of lamb from the UK into the US. The rule was introduced more than 20 years ago banning imports of lamb from countries where scrapie had been identified.
Finalising legislation
Work has been ongoing to finalise this important piece of legislation in the US, effectively allowing UK processors to be eligible to ship lamb following final agreement on the Export Health Certificate.
NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman Wyn Evans said: “After being shut out of the US market for over 20 years, news that Welsh sheep farmers will soon be able to access this potentially lucrative marketplace are welcome news for the sector.
“Our levy body, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, will have an important role to play marketing and promoting our product to the US market so that we can capitalise on this new opportunity.
High quality PGI Welsh Lamb
“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.”
Celebrating the announcement, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) Market Development Manager Rhys Llywelyn said securing access to the US market for lamb had been a ‘priority for the Welsh meat and livestock sector for many years’.
He said: “This legislative hurdle has been a crucial barrier to exporting Welsh Lamb to the USA. Now that this has been overcome following much hard work, we’re hopeful we can look forward to exporting in 2022; our market research shows that there could be a significant demand for high-quality lamb cuts, particularly on the east coast and especially in the hotel and restaurant sector.”