The US Department of Agriculture is proposing to change the regulations which restricted sheepmeat imports from the EU due to livestock diseases TSE and BSE, commonly known as 'mad cow disease'.
The USDA announced the proposal as part of a 60-day consultation period which the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is now being undertaken.
While the US Department of Agriculture’s proposals are currently still in consultation, there is also hope from the farming sector that exports of sheep meat from the EU could resume in early 2017.
'Market access is key priority for UK farmers'
Ulster Farmers’ Union, Deputy President, Victor Chestnutt, stressed that access to new markets for all agriculture products is a key priority for UK farmers, and that the proposal to relax restrictions for the import of both sheep meat and live sheep is a ‘positive step’ in the right direction.
"The UK is perhaps in a unique position given that it is expected we will soon begin a process to officially leave the EU.
"However we would fully expect that until such times that the UK has officially left the EU that DEFRA and Northern Ireland's DAERA will work hard for local sheep producers - ensuring our industry can source export opportunities in the US and other markets," said Mr Chestnutt.
American lamb consumption relatively low
"While lamb consumption in the US is relatively low in comparison to other meats, they are still only 47 per cent self-sufficient, meaning they are heavily reliant on imports to meet demand.
The UFU deputy president added: "Competition from New Zealand and Australia in this market is strong, however we believe we have a unique, high quality product which will appeal to US consumers wanting to try something different."
"Aside of this news, obviously there is still uncertainty around what will happen with trade once the UK officially leaves the EU as it will have to renegotiate market access with many countries.
"Given Northern Ireland’s dependence on exports, our agri-food industry certainly cannot afford any setbacks and we trust that the DAERA Minister will drive this message in her meetings with Government and industry," concluded Mr Chestnutt.
