British lamb shipped to the US for the first time in 25 years

Following an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the 1980s and ‘90s, the United States banned the import of British and EU lamb for over 20 years. After several years of negotiations, the legislation enforcing the ban was amended by the US Government in January this year, putting British lamb back on the American market.

The first shipment containing meat processed by Dunbia was flown across the pond on Friday 7^th October from the company’s Carmarthenshire plant in Wales. The consignment had been ordered for a gathering of US industry leaders at the Meat Importers Council of America (MICA) annual conference.

Andrew Smyth, commercial director at Dunbia, said: “As the largest processor of lamb in the UK, it is imperative we continue to have access to new and emerging international markets, and we welcome the small ruminant rule amendment. We continue to work closely with AHDB to identify and develop new market opportunities for our quality British produce.”

The favourable trade agreement followed a series of new export opportunities that have recently opened up to UK farmers. The US is now among the major destinations for British red meat, with beef and pork shipments totalling over £24 million in value in the first seven months of 2022.

With British lamb becoming available to over 300 million American consumers, the Government is expecting growth and prosperity to ensue in the British farming sector, alongside an increase in jobs, skills, and productivity across the nation. Environment secretary Ranil Jayawardena has said the Government will continue to secure new market opportunities for UK farmers and food producers.

First lamb exports from the UK heading to the US.

Farming organisations have also worked relentlessly over recent years to precipitate change regarding British lamb exports. AHDB international market development director Dr Phil Hadley has welcomed the news of the US export route opening up to British farmers:

“We are delighted that the first shipment of lamb has gone from Dunbia this week, marking a historic moment for red meat exports in Britain.

“We hope this order will be the first of many, allowing millions of US consumers to enjoy our world-renowned lamb, while bringing a major boost to our sheep producers and exporters, who have another valuable market in which to sell their products.”

Likewise, Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, shared his optimistic outlook for the British sheep sector: “This is fantastic news for the British sheep industry, and it comes after many years of hard work by AHDB, working closely with our other levy bodies.

“The success of our sheep industry is based on market opportunities and access to the US will offer just that, building on what is already a healthy demand for our high-quality British lamb.”

With lamb production being the backbone of agriculture in Wales, the Welsh Government and Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) have worked hard to see Welsh Lamb back on the US market.

Commenting on the recent changes, Welsh rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Wales produces some of the very best lamb in the world, and it is great news people in the US will now be able enjoy it.

“This is a real boost for the industry. Securing access to the US market has been a long running effort, with Welsh Government and Hybu Cig Cymru having raised this issue with American authorities over a decade ago. I want to thank everybody who has worked hard to get to this point.”