The Government has announced plans to help the UK’s farmers and food and drink businesses boost exports to mark Back British Farming Day 2021. The exports initiative aims to help farmers access the UK’s ‘considerable’ export potential.
The plans, which will launch later this year, include: appointing more dedicated ‘agri-food attaches’ to act as representatives on the ground to unlock key markets across the world; establishing a Food and Drink Exports Council to work collaboratively to expand our food and drink exports strategy; and strengthening technical expertise and farmers and producers’ understanding of export markets to ensure that food and drink exporters are able to benefit from market opportunities.
“Our farmers are the lifeblood of our nation – producing home grown food and acting as stewards of our natural environment,” said Environment Secretary George Eustice. “We want people at home and abroad to be lining up to buy British. The support that we have announced today, to mark Back British Farming Day, will enable our farmers and producers to take advantage of new opportunities and fly the flag for UK produce around the world.”
The proposals reflect recommendations in the independent report by Trade and Agriculture Commission, published earlier this year, which made 22 proposals to advance the interests of British farmers, food producers and consumers through international trade.
NFU President Minette Batters said the initiative is a positive step in the right direction: “I welcome this new commitment to put people on the ground with the technical expertise to open up new markets. I look forward to seeing more detail on this proposal and working with government to boost our agri-food exports abroad.”
International trade secretary, Liz Truss, added: “Today’s new measures will build the capability of our excellent international teams and having farming experts in post across the world will help our food and drink producers seize the massive new opportunities in the biggest and fastest-growing markets in the world. Our food and drink is among the best in the world and an independent trading nation we’re seizing new opportunities that were previously denied to us.”
