British poultry will soon be back on South African plates following the lifting of an eight-year ban on UK poultry imports. This move is expected to generate up to £160 million for the UK poultry industry over the next five years. The ban, which was originally imposed due to outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK, has now been lifted after the country was declared free from the disease earlier this year. This development marks a significant boost for the UK agricultural trade and reopens a crucial market for British poultry in South Africa.
The lifting of the ban is a result of ongoing efforts between the UK and South Africa to restore poultry trade, with key figures from both countries working to reach an agreement. Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner played a central role in securing the deal. He met with South Africa’s Agriculture Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa and Trade Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield to finalise the arrangement. According to Zeichner, the new agreement will not only create opportunities for UK poultry traders but also strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.
“This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders but grants a new avenue through which to grow the UK economy,” said Zeichner. “We’re one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience, and kick-starting our food exports.”
South Africa was once a key market for British poultry, and the relationship between the two countries in this sector was highly profitable. In 2016, UK poultry exports to South Africa were valued at over £37 million, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The outbreak of avian influenza, however, led to the suspension of UK poultry imports to South Africa, a setback that lasted for eight years. Despite the challenges, both nations continued to work towards reopening the market, with teams on both sides collaborating to overcome technical and health-related trade barriers.
The resumption of trade is expected to have a positive impact on both the UK and South Africa. For UK farmers and poultry producers, the reopening of the South African market provides a valuable export opportunity that will help improve the resilience of the poultry industry. It will also enable South African consumers to access high-quality British poultry products once more, which had been absent from their market for nearly a decade.
Industry leaders in the UK have expressed their excitement over the news. Katie Doherty, CEO of the International Meat Trade Association, praised the development, calling it “fantastic news” for British poultry producers and exporters. She highlighted the importance of South Africa as a vital market before the ban was imposed.
Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, also welcomed the decision, pointing out the importance of trade to both domestic and global food security. “That trade of British poultry can resume with South Africa following the lifting of the avian influenza ban is a great example of government and industry working together to overcome technical trade barriers,” said Griffiths. “Unlocking access to what was once one of our biggest markets is incredibly exciting.”
As British poultry returns to South Africa, the future looks promising for the UK poultry industry. This deal marks a crucial step forward in improving trade relations and boosting export opportunities for British farmers and producers.
