UK Takes Steps to Open Chinese Beef Market

UK - British beef producers are a step closer to exporting their high-quality meat to China, following a vote of confidence from inspectors, levy board AHDB Beef and Lamb has reported.
calendar icon 23 November 2016
clock icon 2 minute read

Last month, for the first time, Defra and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) hosted a delegation of Chinese officials at a beef farm and abattoir in Surrey to show at first hand high levels of animal welfare and disease control measures.

The visit, which included a meeting with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), was part of an ambitious plan to open exports of British beef to China – opening this lucrative market for British farmers and giving a massive boost to the industry.

The products in demand in China include quality cuts and, with a growing middle-income population, China’s consumption of beef has increased and it imported a total of £1.5 billion worth last year – double the amount imported in 2014.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom visited China earlier this week where she met businesses and government ministers to discuss increased trade opportunities for UK food and drink.

Andrea Leadsom said: “The Chinese have always attached great importance to food safety and quality and we are flying the flag for our industry, renowned for its exceptional standards of welfare, quality and safety.

“I have just returned from China where appetite for our food and drink is huge and there are fantastic opportunities for our farmers and producers – with exports reaching £200 million for the first half of this year already.

“This visit from the Chinese delegation was a significant step towards opening the door for our world-class beef into this hugely lucrative market.”

TheCattleSite News Desk

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