Boost to Welsh lamb and beef as UK set to sign first major foreign trade deal in the Brexit era

British beef and lamb are set to return to US menus by January after a draft agreement was reached between the UK and US Governments.

The decision is set to be the UK’s first major foreign trade deal reached since the vote to leave the EU, and will boost the economy by £35 million a year according to estimates by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, said:

“It’s great to see that Welsh red meats are going to be back on sale in the USA after almost twenty years.

“The decision to lift export restrictions on British lamb will be welcomed by Welsh farmers who will soon have an opportunity to access a market thought to be worth around £35 million a year.

“This is the first major foreign trade deal signed since the EU referendum and a timely reminder that Britain can trade successfully across the world and not just in Europe.”

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs – Paul Davies – said:

“This is hugely positive news for the Welsh lamb and beef industries, and the importance of the red meat industry to the Welsh economy cannot be underestimated.

“The Welsh Government must now work with the UK Government to ensure that Welsh produce is given the best opportunity to succeed in any new marketing efforts.”

UK Government Farming Minister, George Eustice, is speaking at the opening of the National Sheep Association show in Malvern today, and will say:

“Our world-leading food and drink industry is a key part of our nation’s economic success and in addition to forging good trade deals with our European neighbours, we want to secure more export opportunities in the States as well as with our close friends in the Commonwealth and other countries around the world.”