UK Urged to Champion Sustainability and Welfare Standards to Boost Export Growth

United Kingdom (UK) 21.10.2024

Source: DairyNews.today

At the recent SIAL Paris event, a key platform for global food and drink trade, Jonathan Eckley, Head of International Trade at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), emphasized the importance of the UK promoting its sustainable farming practices and high animal welfare standards to expand exports. Despite challenges in volume, UK produce, especially red meat and dairy, is increasingly attractive to new markets, with red meat exports reaching £1.7 billion and dairy hitting £1.8 billion in 2023.

UK Urged to Champion Sustainability and Welfare Standards to Boost Export Growth

While UK pig meat exports saw a slight decline in the first half of 2024, beef exports surged 10% over the previous year, reaching 72,900 tonnes. The UK also remains a major player in lamb exports, with 80,000 tonnes sold globally annually.

Mr. Eckley noted that the UK cannot compete with high-volume exporters like Argentina and Brazil but emphasized the country’s competitive edge in food safety, sustainability, and animal welfare, which are highly valued in emerging markets such as China, the Philippines, and West Africa. He highlighted the growing demand for UK’s ethical and quality standards, particularly in regions where food safety and welfare are becoming key drivers of consumer preference.

At SIAL Paris, the AHDB supported UK exporters and showcased the country’s beef, lamb, pork, and dairy industries. Europe remains the largest market for UK red meat, with beef sales to France and the Netherlands showing significant growth in 2023.

Mr. Eckley reaffirmed AHDB’s commitment to fostering export growth, which not only supports international trade but also strengthens domestic production, driving greater value for UK producers.

Image by farmersguardian.com