New export focus for British Agriculture Industry
BARONESS Symons, Minister for International Trade and Investment, and Lord Whitty, Minister for Food and Farming, today welcomed the launch of the International Agriculture and Technology Centre, which will work to promote UK agricultural exports overseas.
The Centre, based at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, will work in close partnership with Defra, Trade Partners UK, Advantage West Midlands, and the Royal Agricultural Society of England. It will continue to give a national focus to this sector, which is an important part of the UK economy.
The purpose of the Centre is:
- to provide an international focus and information point for the UK
agricultural industry, and a magnet for international visitors;
- to promote exports and international business by UK farmers and the
related machinery, supply and service industries;
- to promote key UK agricultural shows internationally.
Baroness Symons, Minister for International Trade and Investment,
said:
"I am very pleased that Trade Partners UK is, in conjunction with Defra, Advantage West Midlands and the Royal Agricultural Society, embarking on this important initiative for our agriculture industry. The Government is keen to help the industry become more competitive by matching British skills and technology with partners in overseas markets. This Centre is a clear example of joined up government, with four key players working collectively to promote British expertise in agriculture".
Lord Whitty, Minister for Food and Farming said:
"I believe the Centre can be an invaluable resource for businesses here and overseas. It is located at a showcase site which is attractive to foreign business visitors, and will have sizeable resources with which to support the export and overseas business of the industry.
"UK agriculture is often at the forefront of innovation and excellence, and this Centre will provide a focal point from which to promote those qualities internationally. I wish it all the best in its future work."
