NFU wants to grow agri-food exports by 30% by 2030
The new ’30, 30, 30+’ ambition is designed to be achieved in partnership with government and according to NFU should be a driving force to showcase the British brand and put British food on plates across the world.
In the report it said that food and drink is in demand all over the world and is already enjoyed by people in more than 200 countries. Over the last 10 years the value of agri-food exports grew by over 40%, or £7.3bn, to reach a total of £25bn in 2019
While the report admitted that the industry had seen some challenges in recent years due to Brexit and the pandemic, there was overwhelming support for export growth to continue.
Success story
The NFU report added that British food and farming is a success story with it contributing more than £127bn (GVA) to the economy, creating more than four million jobs.
The strategy contained a 10-point plan which included: identifying and unlocking target markets; removing market access barriers through FTA negotiations; and the appointment of an agri-food exports government minister. It also suggested investing in technical expertise at home and abroad and a review current marketing and promotional activities for agri-food exports.
“The premium quality of British food is recognised all around the world. Our iconic products, such as Cheddar cheese and British lamb, are not just known for their quality, but the high standards and sustainability they are produced to,” said NFU president Minette Batters said.
“As we enter a new world where the UK aims to be a major player in global trade, and our farmers will be facing much more competition from imports, now is the time to drive our agri-food exports. There are some fantastic opportunities for Britain in our new trading relationships and for British food and farming.”
Lobbying
Batters added: “We also shouldn’t be afraid to take a leaf out of our competitors’ playbooks either. The likes of Australia, New Zealand and the USA are competitive exporters because they put the experts and resources into their target markets. That’s something our government should be looking to emulate and work with farmers to achieve.”
The NFU has said it would also be launching a dedicated export strategy for red meat.
Meanwhile, an NFU Scotland delegation has completed an intensive two-day cross-party lobbying visit to Westminster highlighting the critical issues impacting farmers and crofters to politicians.
President Martin Kennedy said: “NFU Scotland continues to put food security front and centre of our lobbying priorities. It is abundantly clear that the context around food security has shifted, and we need political action to address it in the short and medium term."
“Post-Brexit labour shortages and other ongoing Brexit issues such as the loss of the seed potato market to Europe were also on the agenda. As was the recognition that rapid land use change will compromise our ability to produce food in an increasingly unstable operating environment."
