Written question asked by Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 November 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 November 2011. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 November 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Meat: Overseas Trade

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to support the UK meat industry to access new overseas markets.

Answer: DEFRA is taking a number of steps to increase exports of meat, and to promote UK food more generally.In doing so, DEFRA works closely with a number of partners to identify and target resources on key market negotiations about animal and public health issues for countries outside the European Union. These partners include industry through the UK Export Certification Partnership and Export Certification User Groups, foreign governments, other Government Departments in the UK, as well as the Welsh Government and other Devolved Governments.I am delighted to say that exports of meat and meat products rose in the first half of 2011 by 15%. The rising figure is the comparison with the same period in 2010.The UK Trade and Industry Strategy and DEFRA's business plan both contain commitments. During his recent visit to Russia, the Prime Minister personally placed discussions about lamb and beef exports high on the agenda, demonstrating the priority the Government attaches to the issue.

Secondary information