United Kingdom-Weak Sterling helps farmers.

UNITED KINGDOM-LOW POUND GOOD FOR MEAT EXPORTS.

Driven by a favourable exchange rate and investment in market opportunities, UK exports of beef and lamb increased significantly last year, EBLEX reports.

A total of 81,000 tonnes of beef went out from the UK in 2008, reflecting rises in demand from the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Italy, up 36% on 2007 figures.

Sheepmeat exports rose by a quarter to 86,000 tonnes. In value terms this represented a 43% increase to £260 million - boosted by an increase in lamb cuts to the French market.

EBLEX also reports there was increased trade in UK sheepmeat in 2008 to all major EU market places, in particular with France where exports rose by 19% to 60,000 tonnes.

UK lamb now accounts for 46% of total imports into France - a positive development in light of the fact that household purchases of lamb in France fell by 8% last year.

"The weakness of sterling against the euro is one of the major driving forces behind the rise in 2008 export volumes, as sterling lost 12 percent of its value during this period," said EBLEX chief executive Richard Lowe.

"The exchange rate has provided us with a positive platform for boosting UK exports - but work must continue to develop long term export market opportunities for quality beef and lamb."

He said EBLEX had invested significantly in developing the French market over the past few years, both through initiatives such as the industry-funded Agneau Presto campaign, and longer term supply chain projects involving the Quality Standard Mark and the Agneau St George brand.