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This morning, the agri-food and drink attachés from the UK were officially received at 10 Downing Street, kicking off a week dedicated to meetings with ministers and the nation’s agricultural producers.
The eleven attachés, stationed in UK embassies and consulates globally—across Canada, Mexico, the USA, Brazil, Kenya, The Gulf, India, Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam—are focused on dismantling trade barriers, pinpointing emerging international markets, and harnessing the increasing global demand for high-quality products from UK farmers and producers.
In just 2023, these attachés have played a crucial role in addressing 42 agri-food trade barriers, which are projected to be worth approximately £340 million annually. Since 2020, they have facilitated the establishment of 141 new market access agreements. Some of their recent accomplishments include securing market entry for poultry in Tunisia, sheep embryos in the USA, pork in Chile, trout ova in China, and pet food in South Korea.
Throughout this week, they will tour various UK locations, from engaging with whisky and seafood producers in Scotland to visiting egg farming and meat processing facilities in Shropshire. This hands-on experience aims to deepen their knowledge of food production and foster a better understanding of the interests of the farmers and producers they represent on the international stage.
Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Food and Farming, commented:
Supporting British farmers is a top priority at Defra, and our attachés play an essential role in securing favorable export opportunities for their high-quality products.
Next year, we plan to further expand the attaché network, continuing to promote our exceptional food and drink across the globe.
During their stay in the UK, the attachés will engage with Food and Farming Minister Mark Spencer, attend an industry brunch organized by NFU President Minette Batters, and hold additional discussions with the Scotch Whisky Association, Seafood Scotland, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), and the Food and Drink Export Council.
This week serves as a valuable opportunity for the attachés to strengthen their connections with key stakeholders and exchange insights and learning experiences.
Food and Farming Minister Mark Spencer expressed:
I am eager to meet our agri-food attachés in Westminster this week and extend my gratitude for their exemplary work in supporting our farmers and food producers.
British food and drink is now relished worldwide, from Canada to Vietnam, largely due to their skillful negotiations and commitment to discovering new export prospects.
Lord Offord, Minister for Exports, added:
Enhancing the agri, food, and drink sector is crucial for stimulating our economy and essential in our effort to achieve £1 trillion in exports by 2030.
Thanks to the initiatives of our agri-food attachés, we are enabling more businesses to enter new markets and capitalize on exciting international opportunities.
The agri-food attaché for Africa from Defra remarked:
Africa is set to become one of the globe’s most significant consumer markets, boasting a rapidly expanding middle class eager for UK products.
I am excited to participate in the attaché engagement week and anticipate insights from farmers and food producers on how to facilitate Scottish salmon exports to Morocco, whisky to Kenya, poultry to West and Central Africa, and beloved British confections to Egypt.
At the Prime Minister’s Farm to Fork Summit in May, it was announced that the network will welcome five additional attachés, representing Australia and New Zealand; North Europe; South Europe; South Korea, and an extra post in Africa, all expected to be operational by May 2024.
Minette Batters, NFU President, stated:
The work of agri-food attachés is essential for achieving our common goal of enhancing high-quality, environmentally friendly British exports abroad, which is why we advocated for their expansion. I am pleased to see this network grow recently and hope it continues, given their critical contributions.
I look forward to collaborating closely with the attachés this week to share our sector’s passion and expertise and to ultimately equip them with the tools necessary to serve as the best ambassadors for outstanding British products on the global stage.
Dr. Phil Hadley, Director of International Trade Development at AHDB, commented:
We are thrilled to host the visit of the UK government’s agri-food attachés. AHDB appreciates the significant role they play in fostering export growth. We commend the government’s continued commitment to expand the agri-food attaché network to capitalize on global market opportunities.
One of AHDB’s primary goals is export development, working hand in hand with both industry and government to cultivate further prospects for our red meat and dairy sectors. The presence of the agri-food attachés will reinforce our shared vision to sustain export growth for our premium products.
Donna Fordyce, CEO of Seafood Scotland, remarked:
The attachés’ visit to a Bakkafrost salmon farm will include an insightful boat tour to observe the pens and learn about the careful rearing of fish in a healthy environment. Scotland’s aquaculture sector is crucial to our economy, and we are proud to highlight best practices in action.
This represents an incredible opportunity for our industry to connect with attachés from around the world, each of whom plays a vital role in supporting our sector through market access and development initiatives.
Ian McKendrick, International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association, stated:
Our priority is to support member companies in reducing and eliminating trade barriers in both established and emerging markets, collaborating closely with the agri-food and drink attachés and DEFRA to create the best international environment for Scotch Whisky.
The strategic positioning of attachés in key markets globally means their insights and analysis provide essential information channels for the industry.
We are enthusiastic about facilitating their fact-finding mission in Scotland to enhance their understanding of Scotch Whisky and the industry’s significant priorities, enabling them to better advocate for us and help propel export growth.
SOURCE
Elena Rossi is a graduate of the University of Hohenheim in Germany, where she earned her degree in Agricultural Economics. Her coursework centered on farm management, agricultural policy, and rural development. Elena is dedicated to enhancing the economic viability of small farms and works as a policy analyst, advising on agricultural economics and food security issues in Europe.
