Flying the Flag this Autumn

Despite the difficult situation at home, export experts will be extolling the virtues of British livestock at shows throughout Europe this autumn.

The drive is being led by the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) and is part of a programme to support the very valuable export trade in breeding stock and genetics from British cattle, sheep and pigs.

The programme of work also includes a series of inward missions where potential buyers from 20 countries including Poland, Germany, Romania and Russia have already visited UK farms and livestock shows this year.

The programme is funded by the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX), the British Pig Executive (BPEX), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), the Livestock and Meat Commission of Northern Ireland (LMCI) and UK Trade and Investment.

MLC Export Manager Jean-Pierre Garnier said: "Britain has a very high reputation for its breeding stock and genetics the world over and these continue to be highly sought after. We hope that the current ban on exports to the EU will be short so we can meet the demand."

The four shows in the near future are The Ploughing Match in Eire organised by the British Blue Society, Farma in Poland at the end of this month, Sommet de L'Elevage in France in October and Indagra in Romania in November.

"This year the Polish show is of particular importance. We have been awarded partner country status with a premier location at the show. This is important because Poland is expanding its livestock sector and is currently the largest market for breeding stock and genetics in Europe, particularly for beef genetics".

"Our autumn programme of shows will help bring more than 100 British breeders, breeding societies, exporters and breed companies into the heart of their export markets."