Dairy exports have a key role to play to boost the industry and foster growth, said Dairy UK to Defra Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom.
The Secretary of State joined the Dairy UK Exporters’ Group as a special guest at a meeting hosted by AHDB Dairy, to discuss the Government’s export plan for food and drink.
The meeting was an opportunity to discuss current and upcoming challenges linked to the Brexit negotiations and to reiterate Dairy UK’s priorities in terms of trade and dairy exports.
Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK, said the industry has been working hard to develop dairy exports and unlock new opportunities with countries around the world.
"The strategy we published earlier this year set out the necessary next steps to help the UK dairy industry take its proper place on the global market and we have already made significant progress working with Defra," Dr Bryans said.
"However, with 80% of our dairy exports going to EU countries, it is absolutely vital that we should maintain our access to the EU market without any tariff or non-tariff barriers.
"The government needs to maintain continuity and avoid any disruptions to existing trade partnerships.
"If we want to remain competitive, we need a level playing field with our European and global partners.
"When looking at food and drink regulations, the Government must make sure it does not inadvertently create non-tariff barriers which would hinder dairy companies’ ability to export their products across the world.
"We need food and drink regulations on par with our competitors so we can strengthen our position in the global market."
