The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that British food producers will benefit from export opportunities estimated to be worth nearly £100 million, following work by its agri-food attachés.
Since January, Defra said the 16 attachés have unlocked these opportunities by removing 41 trade barriers and “opening new global markets” for British producers. This includes reopening pork exports worth up to £80 million to China, securing access to Vietnam’s live seafood market worth £4 million a year, and unlocking £35 million in dairy exports to Egypt a year, as well as sealing a £3.8 million annual pork deal with Mexico, all according to industry estimates.
Since being established, Defra said the scheme has “extended the global reach” of the UK’s food and drink sector. Previous victories for British farmers and producers include opening the US market to beetroot growers in September 2024 for the first time.
Through the attaché network’s partnership with industry, Government said it would be “safeguarding food security and creating economic benefits for businesses and communities” throughout the UK as part of its Plan for Change to kickstart growth.
Minister for Food Security Dame Angela Eagle said: “Every trade barrier we remove is another door opened for British farmers and food producers to sell their world-leading products.
“From our beef to our baked goods, British food and drink is highly sought after in markets worldwide and, thanks to the dedicated work of our trade attachés, we’re helping our producers grow their businesses and the economy.
“This boost to export opportunities shows what can be achieved when Government works hand-in-hand with our food and farming sectors to champion British products across the globe.”
“International trade plays a major role in supporting our levy payers and the collaborative approach between AHDB, industry and Government in securing market access.”
The attachés, based in key markets worldwide, are returning from their international posts from 3rd-7th November to meet with producers whose interests they represent overseas.
Jonathan Eckley, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) international trade development director, said: “Ensuring we have a broad portfolio of markets for our world-class red meat and dairy produce is essential to maximise opportunities around the world and we will continue to work with the agri-attachés, wider Government and industry to help ensure those products thrive in the global market.
“International trade plays a major role in supporting our levy payers and the collaborative approach between AHDB, industry and Government in securing market access and supporting export development delivers tangible results for our red meat and dairy sectors.”
Top UK agri-food exports last year included luxury items such as chocolate and salmon, as well as staples of animal feed and cereals, Defra found.
