UK Agri-Food Attachés Kick Off Week of Meetings and Tours, Starting at 10 Downing Street
The UK’s agri-food attachés commenced their week-long series of meetings with ministers and the country’s food producers at 10 Downing Street. These eleven attachés, stationed in British embassies and consulates globally, play a crucial role in eliminating trade barriers, identifying emerging international markets, and capitalizing on the growing global demand for quality UK agricultural products.
In 2023, these attachés facilitated the resolution of 42 agri-food barriers, amounting to an estimated £340 million annually, and achieved 141 new market access agreements since 2020. Notable successes include securing market access for poultry in Tunisia, sheep embryos in the USA, pork in Chile, trout ova in China, and pet food in South Korea.
During their UK tour, the attachés will visit producers of whisky and seafood in Scotland, as well as egg farms and meat processors in Shropshire. This hands-on experience aims to deepen their understanding of food production and the interests of the farmers and producers they represent abroad.
Secretary of State for Food and Farming, Steve Barclay, emphasized the vital role of attachés in ensuring British farmers receive optimal deals for their world-class produce. Plans to expand the attaché network in the coming year were also revealed.
Throughout the week, the attachés will engage with key stakeholders in the UK, including meetings with Food and Farming Minister Mark Spencer, an industry brunch hosted by NFU President Minette Batters, and discussions with organizations such as the Scotch Whisky Association, Seafood Scotland, AHDB, and the Food and Drink Export Council.
The visit provides an opportunity for attachés to strengthen relationships with stakeholders and share insights with each other. Minister for Exports Lord Offord highlighted the significance of growing the agri-food sector to boost the economy and reach the goal of £1 trillion in exports by 2030.
Reflecting on the potential in Africa, one of the agri-food attachés expressed enthusiasm about meeting farmers and food producers to explore opportunities such as exporting Scottish salmon to Morocco, whisky to Kenya, poultry to West and Central Africa, and British confectionery to Egypt.
The week also marks the announcement of plans to recruit five additional attachés to cover regions such as Australia and New Zealand, North Europe, South Europe, South Korea, and an additional attaché in Africa.
NFU President Minette Batters applauded the crucial role attachés play in promoting high-quality British exports, expressing delight at the recent expansion of the network.
AHDB International Trade Development Director, Dr. Phil Hadley, recognized the value of attachés in driving export growth, while Donna Fordyce, CEO of Seafood Scotland, welcomed the opportunity to engage with attachés from around the world.
The Scotch Whisky Association and other organizations expressed their commitment to supporting attachés in reducing trade barriers and securing the best international environment for their respective industries. The attachés’ visit includes a salmon farm tour in Scotland and a fact-finding mission to deepen their understanding of Scotch Whisky.
Overall, the engagement week aims to strengthen ties, share knowledge, and support the continuous growth of UK agri-food exports on the global stage.
