US to accept UK lamb exports for first time in 20 years

• UK farmers will soon be able to sell their lamb to the United States, under a relaxation of US regulations that will now come into force on January 3rd 2022.

Today’s update comes after President Biden committed to lift the ban on British lamb during Boris Johnson’s visit to the White House in September, and follows an easing on restrictions on British beef exports earlier this year.

The US market with its 300 million consumers is projected to be worth £37 million to UK lamb producers in the first five years.

Championing the news, Envrionment Secretary, George Eustice said, “Today’s great news follows years of negotiations and builds on the success in securing the resumption of UK beef exports to the US. UK lamb is renowned for its high quality, food safety and welfare standards. Millions of US consumers will now be able to enjoy British lamb as early as next year”.

The move was also welcomed by Minette Batters, the President of the National Famers Union, who said,”This is exactly the sort of export opportunity we need to see the government pursuing and is something we strongly support. This is a positive step for Britain’s lamb producers and we would urge the government to continue opening up new markets around the world”.

Overall, UK lamb exports totalled £436 million in 2020.