Sheep and goat experts from China have made a special visit to see lamb production in the UK as part of a 12-day visit.
The 23 delegates visited farms, auction markets, the National Sheep Association's Sheep South West event near Tiverton and a visit to see AHDB officials in Stoneleigh.
AHDB's head of livestock export Jean-Pierre Garnier said the UK has a sheep population of around 33 million, made up of more than 100 breeds over 70,000 farms.
He said the UK produces in the region of 300,000 tonnes of sheep meat, with around 110,000 tonnes exporter every year.
40% of sheep meat consumed in Europe comes from the UK.
The delegation was also told about the importance of innovation such as the ongoing research into grass genetics and grazing systems, ovine genetics, nutrition and the importance of sustainability.
A presentation by Emma Steele, a senior breeding advisor to Signet, talked about helping identify animals with superior breeding potential and helping the industry to capitalise on genetic improvement.
'Cutting edge'
Mr Garnier said: "We certainly are at the cutting edge of scientific and technical developments for this vital British agricultural sector and had a lot to present.
"We are also pleased with the caliber of the participants and large size of the group which amounted to 23 people – among them some of the most influential in the Chinese sheep sector.
"They have visited some of the leading breeding farms in the UK and have seen some of the best sheep genetics in the world today.
"Importantly, although we already have strong relations with the CAAA particularly in the pig breeding sector, this visit will allow us to build further bridges with our Chinese counterparts on the sheep side.
"It will also help to showcase our industry at a crucial time when we aim to get market access for sheep meet products to China."
Last year, a group of three UK businesses in the agricultural industry travelled with other EU nations to help bolster exports in China.
