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British beetroot heading for US plates

Alex Black
clock • 3 min read
British beetroot heading for US plates

Access to British beetroot means US processors will be able to utilise the vegetable all year round, after access was secured to the US market for UK growers.

It follows extensive talks between two Governments and trade representatives.

For the US, this will allow their processors to diversify their supply to satisfy demand for high-quality beetroot outside the US growing season.

READ NOW: NFU and international farmers groups call for bold action and strong support for farmer-centric food systems

Industry estimates this new access will be worth approximately £150,000 per year in increased exports.  

Post-Brexit trade deals

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: "This Government was elected on a mandate to support our farmers in trade deals – that is exactly what we are delivering.  

Daniel Zeichner met with his US counterpart, Secretary Vilsack at the G7 Ministers' Meeting on Agriculture on Saturday (September 28) to celebrate the milestone

"This milestone marks a significant step forward for our beetroot farmers.  

"But this is only the start – over the coming weeks and months I will work tirelessly to back our British farmers and get our food exports moving again." 

 On a recent US visit of a delegation of NFU and Government representatives, NFU president Tom Bradshaw and NFU horticulture and potatoes board vice chair Stephen Shields visiting a UK horticulture business in the State of New York which processes and sells beetroots.

Local supply was not keeping up with demand and the delegation made the case to officials in Washington D.C. importing products from England could boost sales and benefit both UK and US growers.

Mr Bradshaw said it was great news after many years of campaigning.

READ NOW: Defra Secretary visits farmers in restricted bluetongue zone

"Being able to access the US market, supplementing local production, will help to meet rising consumer demand for this healthy, nutritional crop, creating genuine growth opportunities for farmers and growers in the UK," he said.

He added he was delighted it came just days after returning from the US.

"It shows the type of wins we are able to achieve with the UK's expanded network of agriculture attachés following a number of years of campaigning by the NFU for the creation of these positions.

"Long may the collaboration continue so British farmers and growers can expand into further markets and increase sales of great British food overseas."

Beetroot

Graham Forber, beetroot product director for G's Fresh, who will directly benefit, said it would ‘assist in our development and growth in processing beetroot in New York State while strengthening our supply across the US'.

"I would like to thank all the parties who helped with this and particularly the support of the UK's Agriculture Attaché at the British Embassy in Washington DC." 

READ NOW: Local and home-reared produce key to success of Cornish business

NFU horticulture and potatoes board vice chair Stephen Shields added as a grower he was ‘excited' about the historic opportunity.

"This milestone not only enhances our market presence but also aligns with our ambition to grow the UK horticulture sector. By meeting the increasing demand for high-quality British produce, we can drive innovation and investment in our industry, benefiting growers and consumers alike."

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