The government has publicly backed fresh produce exports from the UK while activity in the industry suggests they are becoming increasingly attractive.
Farming minister Jim Paice told delegates at the Re:fresh conference that the government is “driving forward an export agenda”.
He said: “[UK Trade & Investment] last week identified food as a key sector for exports. I have been very worried that for years the department for business has not accepted food as an important part of the sector.”
Paice said DEFRA’s business plan targets an increase in overseas trade as one of its main objectives.
Food exports suffered a blow in 2008 when DEFRA pulled the plug on funding for export organisation Food from Britain under the previous government.
But there has been a groundswell of export activity in the UK with a reinvigorated focus on increased productivity - against a backdrop of rising fears over food security - leading to increased volumes in a tight market.
Earlier this year, a major Kent top-fruit supplier began exporting apples to Germany while one salad source said a strong leafy salad season has led to exports of product to the same destination.
In a wide-ranging speech, Paice praised the wholesale business development manager programme, said government is “determined” to introduce a groceries adjudicator and praised Richard Macdonald’s report into red tape as a “superb piece of work”.
He also warned: “Removing the burden of regulation is not about losing standards. We should be proud of our high standards and we must not try to lower them.”
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