The lifting of the ban on beef imports from the EU to the USA is an 'important milestone' for Scottish beef, according to Secretary Alistair Carmichael.
EU beef and other bovine products will again be allowed for US export. The US market has been closed since January 1998 when the US imposed a ban on EU beef on BSE grounds. The re-opening is a welcome, albeit late, step to abolish the unjustified ban and to re-establish normal trading conditions.
"This announcement is an important milestone and reflects the hard work that’s been undertaken so far," said Carmichael.
"The UK Government through its extensive diplomatic, consular and trade networks is working hard across the globe to open the doors to Scotland’s high quality food and drink products as both this announcement and the recent multi million pound beef and lamb trade deal between the UK and Russia shows.
"There is much work still to be done particularly in opening the US market for lamb. The UK through our strong voice in Europe has also ensured that our interest is a priority in the on-going Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations."
The lifting of the 15-year export ban on British beef to the United States and the aligning of US import rules on BSE with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has been hailed a major success by the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
The US market, which has been closed to any EU beef since the BSE crisis of the 1990s, is now open after the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is bringing the US legislation in line with the international science on BSE risk
FUW livestock, wool and marts committee chairman Dafydd Roberts welcomed the lifting of the ban. He said: “This is fantastic news, not just for the British beef industry but also for us Welsh farmers.
“Beef and lamb exports to the US could be worth more than £60m a year but it is of course going to take some time to show the US what fantastic quality beef we produce in this country.
“For many years the US import ban has been at the top of the agenda during our annual meetings with the US Department of Agriculture, and we are looking forward to exploring the new market and building a strong relationship with consumers in the US.
“We still need to have our meat inspection systems recognised as equivalent to those in the US, but once this has been overcome I hope that American consumers will be enjoying quality Welsh beef ,” added Mr Roberts.