Could the US be the next big market for beef exports? A series of mock inspections, arranged by EBLEX, could help pave the way for future access to the market, helping to bolster beef prices in the UK.
EBLEX worked with the Food Standards Agency, Defra and other bodies and organisations to conduct the inspections at the plants. The aim was to determine the level of information needed by the USDA for future exports - should access be granted in the future. An official inspection by USDA officials is expected to happen sometime next year and could bring the US market within reach if successful.
The EBLEX head of supply chain development, Dr Phil Hadley, said: "While we do not currently have access to the US market for ruminant meat, we felt it was prudent to ensure our industry is as fully prepared as possible. We anticipate an official inspection visit in early 2015 and this will hopefully enable access should an agreement be reached."