The USA’s lifting of a 21-year ban on British lamb has been hailed as a “fantastic boost for Montgomeryshire farmers” by MP Craig Williams.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson today announced that the ban, which has been in place since 2000, will be lifted from the beginning of 2022.
The move is estimated to be worth over £18m to the British sheep sector, and follows the US removing a similar ban on British beef imports in September 2020.
Welcoming the move, Mr Williams MP, said: “The news that lamb imports to the US will resume from the beginning of 2022 is a fantastic boost for sheep farmers across the UK and Montgomeryshire.
“The US is the second-largest importer of lamb and mutton in the world, and this decision will provide the UK’s sheep sector with an £18m import boost. It also reinforces that the UK Government is determined to open up new and lucrative markets for our farmers across the world.
“This is a well overdue move on the US’ part. The UK produces world class lamb to the highest animal welfare standards, and this decades-old ban, which was totally unjustified, should have been lifted a long time ago.
“I am delighted that people across America will once again be able to enjoy Welsh lamb – the best lamb in the world.”