UK: Government Launches £1 Million Initiative to Boost British Dairy Exports

Education sessions are integral to the program, providing vital support for dairy businesses in expanding their agri-food exports. The UK dairy industry already exports over £2 billion worth of dairy and related products, including whey, to more than 135 countries.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak initially pledged the £1 million export program during the Farm to Fork Summit at 10 Downing Street in May. The official launch was conducted by the Minister for Exports, Lord Offord, during a visit to the cheese processor Lye Cross Farm near Bristol. The NFU hailed the launch as a "significant boost" for the sector, aligning with their goal to double the value of dairy exports over the next decade.

NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes, present at the launch, emphasized the success of British dairy and acknowledged the government's funding commitment as instrumental in supporting ongoing market development and dairy-specific trade promotion. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to reduce trade barriers and improve market access, citing the Dairy Export Taskforce as a key initiative in growing the export of British dairy products globally.

AHDB chief executive Tim Rycroft highlighted the critical role of international trade in the UK dairy sector. He welcomed the government's additional support, emphasizing the need for collaborative endeavors with industry stakeholders to maximize global opportunities for levy payers. Rycroft underscored the program's contribution to increasing market access and international sales, promoting the reputation of UK products abroad, and encouraging more businesses to participate in exports.