The NFU has helped secure a huge win for UK horticulture growers with British beetroot now allowed to enter the United States (US) for the first time. It follows a delegation of NFU and government representatives visiting the country to promote UK agriculture.
As part of the trip, NFU president Tom Bradshaw and NFU horticulture and potatoes board vice chair Stephen Shields visited a UK horticulture business in New York state that processes and sells beetroots. Local supply wasn’t keeping up with demand and the delegation made the case to officials in Washington D.C. that UK imports could boost sales and benefit both UK and US growers.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “It is great news that after many years of campaigning, British beetroot growers will have access to the US market in the for the first time. 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.
“It shows the type of wins we’re 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.”
NFU horticulture and potatoes board vice chair Stephen Shields said: “As a grower, I am excited about the historic opportunity for UK beetroot to be exported to the US for the first time.
“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.”
