China Renews U.S. Meat Export Licenses

Beijing has renewed registrations for hundreds of U.S. pork and poultry facilities, allowing them to continue exporting to China.

This move comes as a relief to U.S. farmers and meat companies, who have been navigating trade disputes with major agricultural importers, including China and Canada.

The renewals, which extend until 2030, were confirmed on China’s customs website. However, registrations for hundreds of U.S. beef facilities remain listed as “expired.” This situation has left U.S. exporters uncertain about the future of their shipments, as registrations for more than 1,000 U.S. meat plants granted under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal lapsed on Sunday.

The “Phase 1” trade deal, signed in 2020, aimed to end the previous U.S.-China trade war with a pledge from Beijing to boost its purchases of U.S. goods and services, including meat, by $200 billion over two years. Despite this agreement, China did not reach the target, which was set shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Shipments from facilities with lapsed registrations have continued to clear customs, but U.S. exporters remain unsure how long this will last. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expressed concerns that China did not respond to repeated requests to renew plant registrations, potentially violating the Phase 1 agreement.

The renewals for pork and poultry are a positive development, but the uncertainty surrounding beef exports continues to pose challenges for U.S. meat producers.

Original story: Reuters

Newcastle Disease Spreads in Polish Poultry

Poland continues to grapple with Newcastle disease, as three more poultry flocks have been infected. On March 11, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the presence of the disease in two flocks in Radomyśl Wielki and one flock in Unieck. The Unieck farm had 144,326 susceptible birds, while the Radomyśl Wielki flocks had 24,170 and 13,486 birds.

WOAH described the birds in these flocks as domestic poultry. Control measures being applied include stamping out, movement control, disinfection, zoning, surveillance within the restricted zone, traceability, and official destruction of animal products.

These new instances bring the total number of poultry flocks in Poland affected by Newcastle disease to 37 since WOAH first reported on the situation in 2024. Collectively, these 37 flocks have included 4,917,499 birds.

Currently, WOAH has active reports on Newcastle disease in three countries: Poland, Slovenia, and Israel. Sweden had earlier been dealing with an outbreak, but WOAH reported in January that the situation there had been resolved.

Original story: WATTPoultry

U.S. Meat Exports to China Threatened as Export Registrations Lapse

Beijing, March 17 (Reuters) – Export registrations for over 1,000 U.S. meat plants granted by China under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal lapsed on Sunday, according to China’s customs website. This development poses a significant threat to U.S. exports to the world’s largest buyer amid an ongoing tariff standoff.

The registration status for pork, beef, and poultry plants across the U.S., including those owned by major producers Tyson Foods, Smithfield Packaged Meats, and Cargill Meat Solutions, was changed from “effective” to “expired,” as reported by China’s General Administration of Customs. Reuters had previously reported on Friday that these registrations were at risk of lapsing.

The expiration of registrations for roughly two-thirds of the total registered facilities could severely restrict U.S. market access and potentially lead to losses of approximately $5 billion. This situation adds to the challenges faced by American farmers, especially after Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs on about $21 billion worth of American farm goods earlier this month.

While registrations for around 84 U.S. plants lapsed in February, shipments from these plants continue to clear customs. However, it remains uncertain how long China will allow these imports to continue. Beijing requires food exporters to register with customs to sell their products in China, making the registration process crucial for maintaining market access.

This development could have significant implications for the U.S. meat industry and its trade relations with China.

Original story: Reuters

AIMS Calls on DHSC to Review FSA’s Meat Inspection System

AIMS Calls on DHSC to Review FSA’s Meat Inspection System

On the day the Chancellor meets with leading regulators to discuss reducing business burdens and promoting growth, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has published a report titled “A Strategic Review of Cost-Saving Opportunities in the FSA’s Meat Inspection System.” The report identifies up to £22 million per annum in potential savings through a detailed analysis of the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) current cost structure.

Dr. Jason Aldiss, Executive Director of AIMS, highlighted longstanding issues with the FSA’s third-party contractor: “We have known for a long time that the third-party contractor used by the FSA has failed to deliver the staff and levels of service required by the contract, resulting in at least £1.7 million in additional payments without any sign of service improvements.”

The report reveals wasteful duplication of managerial structures between the FSA and its contractor, attributed to a lack of effective ministerial oversight for many years. This inefficiency has burdened the meat and poultry processing sector with excessive charges and costly administrative burdens, placing the UK at a disadvantage compared to other livestock processing countries.

Dr. Aldiss pointed out that the UK’s meat inspection costs are significantly higher than those in comparable European countries such as France and Ireland, with businesses paying up to four times more than their EU counterparts.

At a time when the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), which sponsors this arm’s length quango, is looking to recover wasted taxpayer money, and the UK Government is focused on growing the economy through exports and controlling inflation, the FSA’s meat inspection system and associated costs have risen unchecked. AIMS urges the Secretary of State to review their report and meet with them at the earliest opportunity.

This call for action underscores the need for a strategic review to ensure the meat inspection system is both efficient and cost-effective, benefiting the industry and the economy as a whole.

UK Butchers Grapple with Unprecedented Beef Price Hikes

Market Overview

UK butchers are facing mounting pressure as beef prices reach record highs in late summer 2025. The surge, driven by tight domestic supply and rising global demand, is reshaping margins and forcing retailers to reconsider product ranges and pricing strategies.

Industry reports suggest wholesale beef prices have climbed by over 20% year-on-year, with prime cuts such as sirloin and ribeye seeing the steepest increases. The impact is being felt across the supply chain — from processors to high street butchers — as cost inflation outpaces consumer price tolerance.

Supply Constraints

Several factors are contributing to the squeeze:

Reduced cattle throughput due to herd contraction and delayed finishing
Higher feed and energy costs impacting production efficiency
Labour shortages in abattoirs and cutting plants
Export demand from Asia and the Middle East driving competition for UK beef

The result is a volatile pricing environment, with weekly fluctuations making it difficult for independent butchers to plan stock and maintain consistent margins.

Retail Impact

Independent butchers are particularly vulnerable to these price hikes. Many are reporting:

Lower footfall due to rising retail prices
Increased customer resistance to premium cuts
Greater reliance on mince and value-added products
Pressure to absorb costs or reduce portion sizes

Some retailers are turning to alternative proteins — including pork and poultry — to maintain affordability and customer loyalty.

Industry Response

Trade bodies are calling for greater transparency in pricing and more support for small-scale operators. There is also growing interest in:

Direct sourcing from local farms
Collaborative buying groups to reduce costs
Digital tools for price tracking and inventory management

Processors are being urged to improve communication with retail partners to help manage expectations and plan promotions more effectively.

Outlook for Autumn 2025

While beef prices are expected to remain elevated through Q4, some analysts predict a softening in late October as slaughter volumes increase and seasonal demand shifts. However, much will depend on:

Weather conditions affecting finishing rates
Export volumes to non-EU markets
Consumer sentiment heading into the festive season

Butchers are advised to monitor pricing closely and explore flexible sourcing strategies to navigate the months ahead.

Original story: The Northern Farmer

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut in Laos

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China’s “Huaxi cattle” breed will make its first international appearance under a beef cattle breeding cooperation project with Laos, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences announced on Friday.

The project, signed in Vientiane earlier this week, will see China export 100,000 doses of frozen semen and 10 breeding bulls of the Huaxi cattle to Laos. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of beef cattle breeding and cultivate high-quality breeds in the Southeast Asian nation, according to the academy.

“This marks an important step for China’s beef cattle breeding industry into the global market, laying a solid foundation for its international development,” the academy stated.

The Huaxi cattle breed is the result of over four decades of research efforts and offers rapid growth, high-quality meat, and strong adaptability, with performance metrics matching international advanced levels. A mature bull weighs up to approximately 900 kg.

Some 23,400 Huaxi cattle have been bred across 12 Chinese provincial-level regions, supported by an advanced breeding database in addition to a network of breeding farms and bull stations, the academy reported.

Original story: Xinhua

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation Following Allegations of Animal Welfare Violations

Authorities are investigating serious allegations raised in a recent media article regarding an abattoir in Warwickshire. The claims have prompted a thorough investigation by local law enforcement and relevant agencies.

Detective Chief Inspector David Andrews stated, “Following our visit on Monday 3 March, we are working with partners including the Home Office and Food Standards Agency to take appropriate action regarding the issues identified. Since our visit, and in light of the footage shared by the Independent, which we believe was filmed in July 2024, we can confirm that we have recorded a suspected offence of unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under animal welfare legislation.”

DCI Andrews emphasised that while the investigation into animal welfare is underway, further details cannot be disclosed to avoid jeopardising any future proceedings.

Inspector Andi Gibbons from the North Warwickshire Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) reassured the community, stating, “Our safer neighbourhood officers will continue to engage with the community and we wish to reassure you that these matters are being dealt with. If you do have concerns, please reach out to our team.”

Residents can find their local SNT, their priorities, and contact information by typing their postcode into the interactive map on the Warwickshire Police website. Additionally, regular updates about local policing can be received by signing up to the Warwickshire Connected community messaging service.

Warwickshire Police

UK Butchers Train at Plumpton College for World Butchers’ Challenge 2025

UK Butchers Prepare for World Butchers’ Challenge – Training at East Sussex College

Preparing for the Global Stage

A team of skilled UK butchers is training at Plumpton College in East Sussex ahead of the World Butchers’ Challenge 2025, which will take place in Paris later this year. Often referred to as the “Olympics of butchery,” the event showcases speed, precision, and creativity from top butchers around the world.

Plumpton College Supports National Talent

Plumpton College offers excellent facilities for butchery training. Under expert guidance, the team is refining their cutting techniques and presentation skills. They are also focusing on teamwork, which is essential for success in international competitions.

The UK butchery team includes professionals from across the country. Each member was selected for their experience and passion. Their training covers primal cuts, seam butchery, hygiene, and creative displays.

Industry Backing and Recognition

The British meat industry is backing the team. Suppliers, processors, and trade bodies have offered support. This event highlights the value of traditional butchery and its role in today’s food sector.

Moreover, the World Butchers’ Challenge Paris 2025 provides a platform to promote British butchery. It also helps inspire future talent and raise awareness of meat skills across the UK.

Original Source: BBC News

Illegal Meat Floods UK High Streets

Surge in Unregulated Meat Sparks Biosecurity Concerns

The UK is facing a growing crisis as illegal meat products—bypassing essential health and safety checks—are reportedly being sold on high streets across the country. The warning comes from Lucy Manzano, head of the Dover Port Health Authority, who has raised alarms over the scale and reach of this illicit trade.

Health Risks and Regulatory Gaps

These unregulated imports pose serious risks to public health and animal biosecurity, as they often:

Bypass veterinary inspections
Lack traceability
May carry diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) or African Swine Fever (ASF)

The situation has intensified following recent FMD outbreaks in Germany and Hungary, prompting calls for tighter border controls and enhanced enforcement against illegal imports

Industry and Government Response

Farmers’ unions and food safety advocates are urging the UK government to:

Increase funding for border inspections
Deploy advanced detection technologies
Strengthen penalties for offenders

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) have both emphasized the need for urgent action to protect the UK’s agricultural sector and maintain consumer confidence

Conclusion

The rise of illegal meat on UK high streets is a pressing issue that threatens both food safety and livestock health. With growing concerns from industry leaders and health authorities, decisive government intervention is needed to curb this dangerous trend.

Original story: BBC News

First Dragon’s Den Winner for NZ Red Meat

Breakthrough Innovation in NZ Red Meat Processing

Renyu Zhang, a senior scientist at AgResearch, has been crowned the first-ever winner of New Zealand’s Dragon’s Den-style competition focused on red meat innovation. The contest was designed to inspire cutting-edge ideas that could transform the New Zealand red meat processing industry.

A Vision for the Future of Meat Processing

Zhang’s winning concept impressed judges with its potential to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product quality across the red meat sector. The initiative, backed by industry leaders, aimed to uncover practical solutions that could be implemented within existing processing frameworks.

Industry Support and Collaboration

The competition was part of a broader effort to foster innovation in New Zealand’s meat industry, encouraging collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, and processors. By spotlighting fresh ideas, the challenge seeks to ensure the sector remains globally competitive and environmentally responsible.

Original story: NZ Herald