The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (05 October) welcomed the announcement that PGI Welsh Beef could soon be on its way to the USA for the first time in more than 20 years.  

Following the USA’s longstanding ban on EU beef – introduced in the wake of the BSE outbreak in 1996 – market access for UK beef was granted in March 2020. Welsh beef producers now have access to the US market for the first time in over 20 years. It was also recently announcemed that Welsh lamb, Conwy mussels and Anglesey sea salt were among the 15 iconic Welsh products that could be protected in Japan for first time as part of the new UK-Japan trade deal. 

Commenting on the impact this news will have on Welsh beef producers, Janet said:  

“PGI Welsh beef is rightly renowned as some of the best in the world for its high quality, food safety and welfare standards. This product has special characteristics, brought about by clean Welsh air, rich grass and mountain streams. These cannot be replicated anywhere else. 

“With estimations that beef exports to the USA could be worth £66 million over the next five years, the opening of the Stateside beef market offers unrivalled opportunities for Welsh producers, allowing this vital sector to go from strength to strength. 

“This news commends the hard work of our nation’s farmers who have enthusiastically embraced agri-environment schemes that are designed to protect our world class environment. Support for our farmers also benefits local livestock markets, maintaining the rural economy and supporting local jobs. 

“The Welsh Government must now look to ensure that our beef producers can make the most from this opportunity. That means refining the Support to Export scheme, offered through Food and Drink Wales, so as to better promote the opportunities available in this important American market.” 

ENDS 

Photo: Jez Timms/UnSplash