Major Milestone for German Agriculture and Meat Exports

Germany has officially regained its Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status, a significant development for the country’s meat and dairy export industry. The announcement, made by the German Ministry of Agriculture, follows the country’s first FMD outbreak in nearly four decades.

Background: Isolated Outbreak in Brandenburg

The outbreak was confirmed on January 10, 2025, in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin, within the Brandenburg region. Fortunately, the infection was contained to a single case, and no further reports have emerged since. While the exact source remains unknown, domestic restrictions have largely been lifted.

WOAH Recognition and Export Implications

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has accepted Germany’s application to be declared FMD-free in most regions. As of March 12, 2025, all of Germany—except for a small containment zone around the original outbreak site—has been officially recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease.

This status change is expected to:

• Lift export restrictions on German meat and dairy products
• Boost agricultural trade across Europe and globally
• Restore confidence in Germany’s livestock health standards

Conclusion

Germany’s swift containment and recovery from the FMD outbreak have paved the way for renewed international trade opportunities. With WOAH’s recognition and most domestic restrictions lifted, the country’s meat and dairy sectors are poised for a strong rebound in 2025.

Food Standards Agency Targets Two-Year Timeline for Cultivated Food Products

Lab-grown meat, dairy, and sugar could be available for human consumption in the UK within two years, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The agency is working to streamline the approval process for these innovative products, which are cultivated from cells in controlled environments similar to chemical plants.

UK Firms Push for Regulatory Reform

British companies leading the development of cultivated food technologies have faced delays due to outdated regulations. The FSA is now collaborating with high-tech food firms and academic researchers to create a new regulatory framework that ensures safety while supporting innovation.

Last month, the UK saw its first commercial sale of lab-grown dog food, marking a milestone in the sector

Global Context: Mixed Reactions to Lab-Grown Foods

• Singapore was the first country to approve lab-grown meat for human consumption in 2020.
• The United States followed in 2023, and Israel in 2024.
• In contrast, Italy and US states like Alabama and Florida have banned cultivated meat products.

Safety and Controversy

FSA Chief Scientist Prof Robin May assured that consumer safety remains the top priority, stating:

“We are working very closely with the companies involved and academic groups to design a regulatory structure that ensures the safety of these products remains as high as it possibly can.”

However, critics like Pat Thomas, director of Beyond GM, argue that involving companies in the regulatory process could lead to conflicts of interest:

“The companies helping the FSA to draw up these regulations are the ones most likely to benefit from deregulation.”

Conclusion

With growing global interest and domestic innovation, the UK is poised to become a key player in the lab-grown food revolution. If approved, cultivated meat, dairy, and sugar could be on UK shelves by 2027, offering consumers sustainable alternatives to traditional animal agriculture.

The British Pie Awards 2025 have once again celebrated the finest pies from across the UK, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of pie makers. Held in Melton Mowbray, the pork-pie capital of Britain, this year’s awards saw nearly 1,000 entries competing for the coveted Supreme Champion trophy.

The highlight of the event was the crowning of the Supreme Champion, the ‘Pie of Pies’, which was awarded to the Kebab Pie by Boghall Butchers of Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland[1]. This unique fusion pie, dreamed up by second-generation butcher Paul Boyle and his daughter Mariesha, combines traditional pie casing with kebab meat filling, creating a delightful blend of flavours[2].

Other notable winners included:

• Small Producer Award: Tom de Terre from Manchester[1].
• Newcomer Award: Mariage Frères from London[1].
• Young Piemaker: Cairn Robbie from WEECOOK in Arbroath[1].

The awards also featured various classes, each celebrating different types of pies. For instance, the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie class saw Dickinson & Morris take home the gold for their Hand Crafted Melton Mowbray Pork Pie[1]. Other winners in this class included Waitrose, Morrisons, and M&S Collections, all recognized for their exceptional pork pies[1].

The British Pie Awards not only highlight the best pies but also promote the rich heritage and diversity of British pie-making. From traditional savoury pies to innovative vegan creations, the awards provide a platform for pie makers to showcase their skills and passion.

For more information and a complete list of winners, visit the official British Pie Awards website[1].

[1]: British Pie Awards [2]

Brazilian Agricultural Exporters to Benefit from U.S.-China Trade War

SAO PAULO, March 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war with China is expected to provide Brazilian agricultural exporters with an opportunity to capture a larger share of the Chinese market, potentially at the expense of American farmers. However, this shift could also exacerbate already high food inflation in Brazil.

In response to new U.S. duties announced by Trump, China swiftly imposed tariffs of 10% and 15% on $21 billion worth of American agricultural goods, including meat and soybeans. Brazil, as the world’s largest exporter of soy, cotton, beef, and chicken meat, is poised to increase its exports to China as importers seek tariff-free alternatives.

During Trump’s first term, the trade war led to U.S. farmers losing significant market share to Brazil, particularly for China’s valuable soybean imports. The U.S. has not regained that market share, and China’s reliance on Brazilian agricultural imports has continued to grow. This trend is likely to accelerate with the latest round of tariffs.

While this presents a significant opportunity for Brazilian exporters, it also raises concerns about domestic food inflation. Increased demand from China could drive up prices for Brazilian consumers, adding pressure to an already strained economy.

Original story: Reuters

Britain Bans Animal Imports from Hungary and Slovakia to Prevent Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spread

Britain has banned imports of cattle, pigs, and other animal products from Hungary and Slovakia following a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary. The government announced the ban in a statement on Friday, aiming to prevent the spread of the disease.

As of 8th March, travellers will not be allowed to bring meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, and animal by-products of pigs and ruminants from the two countries. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated, “We will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads,” emphasising that the situation will be continuously reviewed and closely monitored with authorities.

Currently, there are no cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Britain. While the disease poses no danger to humans, it causes fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, often leading to trade restrictions.

Original story: Reuters

Trump Suspends Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump suspended the 25% tariffs he imposed earlier this week on most goods from Canada and Mexico. This latest move in his fluctuating trade policy has caused market volatility and raised concerns about inflation and economic growth.

The exemptions for Canada and Mexico, the two largest U.S. trading partners, will expire on April 2. Trump has threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs on all U.S. trading partners globally after this date. Initially, Trump mentioned an exemption only for Mexico, but later extended it to Canada as well. The three countries are part of the North American trade pact.

In response, Canada will delay a planned second wave of retaliatory tariffs on CAD 125 billion (USD 87.4 billion) worth of U.S. products until April 2, according to Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

The amended White House order also excludes duties on potash, a critical fertilizer for U.S. farmers, but does not fully cover energy products, which are subject to a separate 10% levy.

Original story: Reuters