UK trade with EU and US takes centre stage at AHDB Red Meat Export Conference

Delegates at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Red Meat Export Conference in Butcher’s Hall, London, heard about AHDB’s international trade development support for levy payers, its focus on the EU as a priority over the next year and how the potential UK/EU SPS Agreement would play a pivotal role in that.

The conference, which opened with a video message from Minister for Food Security Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP recognising the importance of international trade, also provided delegates with insight into the future for British red meat in the US from Will Surman, Agriculture, Food and Drink Attaché at the British Embassy Washington and from experts examining wider market access opportunities presented by the CPTPP.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB International Trade Development Director, said that while it was important for the red meat sector to access and trade to as broad a portfolio of markets as possible, the EU will continue to play a crucial role moving forwards.

“International trade development and supporting the red meat sector to thrive on the global stage is one of the cornerstones of AHDB’s work,” he said.

“The reputation and appetite for our world-class produce is undoubtedly a major success story, with the value of UK red meat exports topping £2 billion last year. That global appetite is a testament to the hard work of our farmers and our export businesses delivering world-class produce that continues to thrive in multiple markets.

“It remains vital to maintain a wide portfolio of markets to maximise carcase utilisation. However, the EU remains our largest market for red meat, and its importance to the sector can’t be stressed enough. With this in mind, we will be looking at developing further opportunities for British red meat in the EU in the year ahead, building on the roll out of our Quality Meat from Britain branding. Quality Meat from Britain is aimed at providing consistency of messaging around provenance and high production standards for British red meat in the European market and is the perfect platform on which we can promote red meat exports in the region.

“In addition, and further to the Secretary of State’s trade mission to the US earlier this year with a delegation including our Chair Emily Norton, it has been incredibly insightful to hear from industry colleagues about the potential future for our produce in the region.”

AHDB’s Red Meat Export Conference forms part of its extensive programme of activity to support export businesses, which includes work on market access, inward and outward trade missions and flying the flag for world-class British red meat at major trade events around the world.

This will include a major presence at SIAL in Paris in October, this year’s largest international trade show, and the British Meat Dinner, which coincides with the event.

Jonathan added: “The conference is a key date in the industry calendar and provides a platform for discussion about global trends and patterns in trade production, future risks and challenges. Red meat exports play a key role in underpinning domestic prices and ensuring carcase balance.

“AHDB’s continued investment in export development, working collaboratively with industry and other stakeholders to drive further growth on behalf of levy payers will play a crucial role in helping build on the momentum the sector has enjoyed over the last few years.”

Further details about opportunities for red meat exports can be found in the AHDB analysis Prospects for agri-food exports.