British beef exports to US resume for first time in 20 years

British beef will be returning to US plates

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30 September 2020

British beef has started to be exported to the US for the first time in more than 20 years.

The Mad Cow Disease (BSE) outbreak in 1996 caused a huge impact on the reputation of British beef worldwide, and the US immediately banned imports.

American experts undertook inspections of UK farms last year and cleared a selection of UK beef for export early in 2020.

On Wednesday, shipments from Northern Ireland's Foyle Food Group were the first to leave UK shores, bound for American plates.

The US beef export market is expected to bring in around £66m to the UK agriculture sector over five years.

The Mad Cow Disease outbreak led to British beef being seen as a risk abroad

Ministers have hailed the resumption as "the tip of the iceberg" for what the UK can achieve through trade deals with the US post-Brexit.

Meanwhile, farmer-representative body The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board labelled the shipment departure a "historic moment".

Dr Phil Hadley, a director at the board, said: "The US represents an important potential market for our red meat exports and today's first shipment is the result of the hard work and persistence of industry and government to bring about this crucial next step.

"This important milestone will bring a fantastic boost to the sector and we look forward to seeing more of our red meat served up on dinner tables across the US in the months and years to come."

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: "This is great news for our food and farming industry, helping the sector go from strength to strength."

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, who is leading controversial free trade talks with the US, said: "This could be just the tip of the iceberg. The free trade deal we are negotiating with the US will create a host of export opportunities for British agriculture. We are seeking an ambitious and high standards agreement that benefits farmers and delivers for consumers."

The talks have provoked backlash, with animal rights and health advocates arguing that such deals would expose UK supermarkets to being flooded with chemical-ridden meat, such as hormone-injected beef. Chlorine-rinsed chicken being stocked on UK shelves has already been ruled out, as it is banned by UK law.

This week a group of celebrities and chefs, including Jamie Oliver and Joe Wicks, released a statement insisting post-Brexit trade deals should not open the floodgates to lower-quality food.

Ms Truss has stated that the UK will not compromise on environmental, animal welfare and food standards in its US talks.

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