This weekend, Welsh lamb was exported to the United States for the first time in over 20 years. This exciting new development opens a crucial new market for Welsh livestock farmers in which 300 million consumers will be able to enjoy Wales’ world-renowned lamb.
The first consignment of Welsh lamb destined for the USA, since imports were banned in 1996 due to potential BSE risk, was processed at Dunbia in Carmarthenshire, – the first plant in the UK to achieve approval for export.
Commenting, Aberconwy MP Robin Millar said:
“Welsh lamb is world renowned for its taste and quality. Not only do Aberconwy’s farmers produce the finest Welsh lamb, they are also custodians of our breathtakingly beautiful landscapes,. Their sustainable methods contribute to tackling climate change and their animal welfare standards are amongst the highest in the world.
“I joined the NUW and NFU Wales in welcoming the former Prime Minister’s announcement in September last year that the long-standing ban was expected to be lifted, and this first export of Welsh lamb to the USA is great news for the industry. Supporting our farmers is a key part of Our Plan for Aberconwy and I look forward to working with the farming sector and the UK Government to maximise the export opportunities of Welsh lamb and beef.
“DEFRA and the Department for International Trade are on hand to provide support to farmers and producers here in Aberconwy, and they can find further details using the UK Government’s Export to Grow online hub at exports.campaign.gov.uk.”