French Border Control Strikes Cause Delays for UK Animal and Food Exports

Exporters from Great Britain to France are facing significant delays due to an ongoing strike affecting French Border Control Posts (BCPs). The industrial action, involving contract veterinarians, is impacting veterinary inspections for goods arriving from the UK across all French BCPs, although Calais is not specifically targeted.

While the strike began on Tuesday, 13th May and continues on a renewable basis with no confirmed end date, specific updates have been issued for the crucial Calais crossing:

• Live Animal Inspections Halted in Calais This Weekend (17-18 May): No live animal inspections will be conducted at either of the Calais sites over the current weekend.
• Reduced Pace for Food Product Inspections: Inspections of food products will continue in Calais, but at a slower rate than usual.
• Emergency Procedure for EU Horses Returning via Calais: Due to a large volume of EU horses returning from competitions, an exceptional emergency procedure will be in place at the two Calais sites on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th May. Lighter controls will be applied specifically to these EU-origin horses. Port boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations for these dates will be validated from this afternoon (16th May).
• Stricter Procedures Resume from Wednesday 21st May: From Wednesday, 21st May, the procedures outlined in the 13th May update will be reinstated until further notice. This means boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations for live animals, particularly horses, will only be issued in the early morning of the relevant day. This measure aims to prevent animals being held up on-site due to a lack of official veterinarians. Exporters are strongly advised to secure these authorisations and confirmations before transporting live animals.

Alternative Routes Advised:

Exporters are being advised to consider alternative routes to France, such as Caen-Ouistreham, the Netherlands, or Belgium, to mitigate potential delays.

The situation remains fluid, and exporters are urged to stay informed of any further updates from French authorities regarding the end of the strike and the resumption of normal inspection procedures. The impact is being felt across all veterinary services and BCPs in France, slowing down the overall inspection process for goods arriving from Great Britain.

MPs Urge Government to Delay “Damaging” Farm Inheritance Tax Reforms

A cross-party committee of MPs has called on the Government to urgently delay its planned reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) until April 2027.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee argues a pause until October 2026 for the final announcement would allow for better policy and provide a long-term vision for farming, also giving vulnerable farmers more time for advice.

MPs criticised the lack of consultation and impact assessment for changes announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, warning of “disputed and unclear” consequences for family farms, land values, and food security. A survey revealed farmer optimism plummeted from 70% to 12% post-budget, with 84% reporting mental health impacts linked to inheritance tax relief changes and the SFI closure.

While supporting the aim to close tax loopholes for wealthy investors, the Committee urged consultation on alternative reforms that wouldn’t harm small family farms. They also criticised the “sudden closure” of the SFI, demanding an alternative funding mechanism by September 2025 and clarity on its future.

The report also called for the urgent publication of the 25-year Farming Roadmap and criticised Defra’s “poor communication” and “breach of trust” with farmers.

EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP emphasised the negative impact of recent government actions on farmer confidence and wellbeing, urging a delay to the inheritance tax reforms to rebuild trust and provide the clarity the sector urgently needs.

UK Declares Germany FMD-Free, Lifts Import Restrictions

Following a thorough technical assessment, Great Britain has officially recognised Germany as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free without vaccination, effective from 14th May 2025.

As a direct consequence of this recognition, restrictions previously imposed on imports of affected commodities from the containment zone in Germany have now been lifted. This means that exports of FMD-susceptible animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, and buffaloes, along with their products such as meat and dairy, can resume from the previously restricted area, provided all other standard import conditions are met.

This decision comes after a detailed technical evaluation of the measures implemented in Germany and the current FMD situation within the country. The UK government has stated that it will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to any changes in the FMD situation within the European Union to safeguard domestic biosecurity.

It is important to note that personal import restrictions remain in force. Travellers are still prohibited from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. This measure is in place to protect British livestock health, farmer security, and UK food security. The restrictions apply to items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk, regardless of packaging or whether they were purchased at duty-free shops.

While FMD poses no threat to human or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers are therefore urged to maintain the highest levels of biosecurity on their farms.

FMD is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of Foot and Mouth Disease in animals must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities: 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland.

Original source: Gov.uk

UK Farmers Offer Cautious Welcome to US Beef Trade Deal

Livestock farmers in the UK have offered a measured response to the recently agreed beef trade deal between the UK and the United States. While acknowledging potential opportunities, concerns remain regarding trade with Europe and traceability standards in the US.

The agreement, finalised last week during discussions between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, establishes a mutual export quota of 13,000 tonnes of beef between the two nations. This marks a potential shift in trade, as very little US beef has been sold in the UK since a 1989 ban due to concerns over the use of growth hormones.   

Adam Quinney, a farmer from Sambourne on the Warwickshire-Worcestershire border, believes the deal is unlikely to result in a significant presence of American beef in UK supermarkets. However, he expressed concern about the potential implications for trade with the European Union. “It would be a concern if the trade barriers with Europe were made even more difficult than they are now,” Mr Quinney explained.

The UK government has sought to reassure farmers, stating that “the rules on food standards have not changed” and that hormone-treated beef will not be permitted for import. Mr Quinney echoed this sentiment, saying, “We were worried about standards, and what type of beef can be imported. And as more and more details come forward, it appears that it’s quite sensible. It’s hormone-free beef.”  

However, David Barton, a Cotswolds farmer and livestock chair of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), raised concerns about the lack of a national cattle tracing system in the US. “We have incredibly good traceability in the UK,” Mr Barton emphasised. “Every animal on my farm has a cattle passport from the moment it’s born. So wherever it goes, it can be traced right back to me. Do they have that in the US? I don’t think they do.”

He stressed the need for robust procedures to ensure the imported beef is indeed hormone-free. “We need to make sure that there are robust, rigorous procedures in place that we’re confident that it’ll be their non-hormone product.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stated that US producers will be required to have monitoring and certification processes in place to demonstrate compliance with UK food standards.

Despite the concerns, Mr Barton also acknowledged potential benefits for UK beef producers. “Our product is largely grass-fed,” he explained. “It’s a premium product, and it doesn’t carry the amount of fat that the US product has. So the US are always looking for lean beef to mix with their product. So there will be opportunities.” This suggests that UK beef, known for its quality and grass-fed nature, could find a niche market in the US, potentially complementing the more grain-fed American product.

Original source: BBC News

Supermarkets Suspend Cranswick Supplies Over Animal Welfare Concerns

Shares in British meat producer Cranswick experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% on Monday following the suspension of supplies from one of its farms by major UK supermarkets. The move comes in response to animal welfare concerns raised by a report in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, which included footage allegedly depicting animal abuse by workers at Cranswick’s North Moor Farm in Lincolnshire.

The significant drop in Cranswick’s share price marked its largest one-day percentage decrease since March 2020, reflecting investor concern over the potential impact on the company’s reputation and sales.

In an emailed statement, a Cranswick spokesperson confirmed the company was taking immediate action. “As soon as we saw the footage, we immediately suspended the team working at the farm and we are conducting an urgent and thorough investigation,” the spokesperson stated.

Cranswick is a major player in the UK pig production sector, supplying a wide range of products including fresh pork, sausages, and bacon to supermarkets nationwide.

“We are extremely disappointed to see the unacceptable lapse of welfare standards captured at North Moor Farm,” the company spokesperson added.

Cranswick has taken the step of suspending North Moor Farm from supplying any pigs until the ongoing investigation is concluded. The company did not provide a specific timeline for the completion of the investigation.

In a swift response to the allegations, major British supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons have all announced the suspension of supplies from the implicated Cranswick farm. This coordinated action by leading retailers underscores the seriousness with which animal welfare concerns are treated by the industry and consumers.

The investigation will likely focus on the veracity of the footage and the extent of any welfare breaches. The outcome could have significant repercussions for Cranswick, potentially impacting its relationships with key customers and its overall market standing.

Original source: Reuters

Wemyss Bay Butcher Crowned World Haggis Champion in ‘Lifetime’s Achievement’

In a fiercely contested battle of Scotland’s national dish, Nigel Ovens, a third-generation butcher from McCaskie’s Butchers in Wemyss Bay, has been crowned the new World Haggis Champion. His winning haggis, described as the culmination of a “lifetime’s” dedication to the craft, took the top spot at the prestigious Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair held in Perth on Sunday.

The victory marked an extraordinary double for Mr Ovens, who also secured the title of World Scotch Pie Champion at the Scotch Pie Awards with a recipe originating from James Pirrie & Son of Dundee.

Judges were unanimous in their praise for Mr Ovens’ haggis, highlighting its “meaty, with a coarse but moist texture.” The “spicy peppery element” that developed at the finish was particularly lauded, with head judge Jon Wilkin declaring it simply “couldn’t be bettered.”

An emotional Mr Ovens admitted to being overwhelmed by the win. “I’ve spent years watching, tasting, tweaking and learning from others and I’m absolutely thrilled to be lifting the World Championship – it’s a dream come true.”

Mr Ovens’ winning haggis had previously claimed the Scottish Championship title a decade ago. This time, he triumphed over stiff competition from 55 other producers to claim the coveted global crown.

While Mr Ovens remained tight-lipped about the intricate details of his winning recipe, he did offer a tantalising hint. “Let’s just say lamb fat probably helps sweeten the haggis and give it broader appeal,” he conceded, adding, “but after a lifetime spent perfecting the recipe, I’ll keep the rest a secret.”

He credited his 24-strong team at McCaskie’s in Wemyss Bay for their dedication in ensuring his haggis is enjoyed by customers across the United Kingdom. Mr Ovens also noted the evolving popularity of haggis beyond its traditional Burns Night association. “Haggis is no longer a Burns Night and burst product,” he stated. “It is a versatile foodstuff used to create a multitude of haggis products enjoyed throughout the year.”

“It’s one of Scotland’s most iconic products and this World Haggis Championship title is the one that every butcher in the country aspires to,” Mr Ovens added. “This means so much to me. It literally is a lifetime’s achievement – I’m so honoured, so humbled and so thrilled.”

Head judge Mr Wilkin, a Reader in Food Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Abertay University, affirmed the exceptional quality of McCaskie’s winning entry. “It’s absolutely fantastic and I can’t imagine there’s a better haggis anywhere,” he said. “The judges had a tough time because the standard this year was extraordinary, but Nigel’s haggis had something special. It was meaty, with a coarse but moist texture, just the right amount of offal to flavour but not overwhelm, a really good salt level and a wonderful spicy peppery element that kicks in at the end – a real champion.”

Louise Harley from championship sponsor Grampian Oat Products extended her congratulations to McCaskie’s, having served on the judging panel. “It was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event as both a judge and a sponsor,” she said. “The standard was incredibly high and, although scoring was tight, we congratulate Nigel Ovens and McCaskie’s on an outstanding product. Oats are an integral part of the haggis recipe and Grampian Oat Products was delighted to sponsor the World Championships again this year.”

Original source: Yahoo News

UK Cattle Prices Stall, Cow Values Climb Amidst Stable Sheep Market

The latest market analysis from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) indicates a pause in the upward momentum of Great Britain’s deadweight cattle prices in the week ending May 3rd. While overall average prices for steers, heifers, and young bulls saw a marginal increase of less than a penny, the all-prime average rose by 0.8p/kg to reach 702p/kg. Following the disruption of two bank holiday weeks, estimated prime cattle slaughter rebounded significantly to 36,800 head, marking the highest throughput recorded so far this year.

Conversely, cow prices continued their upward trajectory. The overall average deadweight cow price increased by a further 6p/kg in the week ending May 3rd, settling at 538p/kg – a substantial £1.77/kg higher than the same period last year. This sustained rise in cow values, juxtaposed with the steadying prime cattle category, has narrowed the price gap between the two since the beginning of April. However, the current difference remains historically wide, highlighting the competitive pricing of cow beef in the market.

Kantar data reveals that actual retail volume sales of beef experienced growth throughout April, likely influenced by the timing of Easter. However, a weaker performance in March resulted in relatively stable year-on-year volumes for the 12 weeks leading up to April 20th (-0.3%). Average beef prices saw a 6% increase compared to the previous year, with notable growth in the value of steak and ready-to-cook categories. For context, the all-prime average deadweight cattle price was up by a significant 35% year-on-year over the same 12-week period.

The sheep market demonstrated greater stability in pricing during the week ending May 3rd, coinciding with an increase in throughput. The GB old season SQQ (Standard Quality Quotation) remained at 686p/kg, down £1.39/kg compared to the same week last year. Deadweight sheep prices have deviated from typical seasonal trends in 2025, reflecting shifts in supply and demand, and values are now much closer to the five-year average. Estimated lamb slaughter saw a significant increase of over 12% from the previous week, reaching 244,300 head. This figure was notably higher than both the same week in 2024 and the five-year average.

From a demand perspective, the timing of Easter significantly boosted retail volume sales of lamb in April (Kantar). However, weaker sales in February and March led to an overall 8% year-on-year decrease in total lamb volumes for the 12 weeks to April 20th. Despite this annual decline, total lamb volume sales are relatively stable compared to the same period in 2023. An analysis by product and cut reveals that losses in processed lamb and added-value products offset gains in other cuts such as steaks and diced lamb.

Original source: AHDB

The Department for Business and Trade today announced the signing of a comprehensive trade agreement between the United Kingdom and India, a development hailed by the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS).

The newly secured deal will result in significant tariff reductions by India, covering 90% of all tariff lines. Notably, 85% of these will become entirely tariff-free within a ten-year timeframe. British lamb is among the key agricultural products set to benefit from this agreement.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications for AIMS, stated: “The reduction in tariffs on lamb exports to India represents a major win for our members. We anticipate strong demand for our premium offerings, such as Welsh PGI Lamb and Scotch PGI Lamb, from India’s expanding middle class. Furthermore, the agreement opens up significant opportunities for our high-quality assured Halal lamb to cater to India’s substantial Muslim population of over 200 million people.”

AIMS will now seek clarification from the DBT regarding the future tariff status of UK pork and pet food exports to India.

Consumers are continuing to feel the pinch as meat price inflation remains stubbornly high, according to the latest AIMS Meat Inflation Tracker Report for April 2025.

The report reveals that fresh meat prices have increased by a significant 11.53% compared to April 2024, with a further rise of 3.48% recorded in the last month alone.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS, commenting on the concerning figures, stated, “Our report, which is based AHDB’s supermarket price tracker, and our own monitoring of the chicken market shows that meat price inflation is being driven by 12 months of steep rises across beef (+20.96%) and lamb (+19.92%) cuts.”

For consumers seeking more budget-friendly options, Mr. Goodger pointed to a notable exception in the market. “Consumers looking for the very best value should go for British farm assured chicken legs as they haven’t moved at all during the last month and are 5p/kg down (2.03%) year on year.”

He also highlighted some slight relief in the pork sector. “That said,” Mr. Goodger added, “British Pork cuts such as belly slices, tenderloin and mince have also dropped back slightly year on year. However, with the current hot weather and two bank holidays in quick succession I do expect demand for these lines to increase as households look to the barbecue for meal occasions.”

The AIMS report underscores the sustained pressure on household budgets due to escalating meat prices, particularly for beef and lamb. While chicken legs and certain pork cuts offer some respite, the overall trend indicates that meat price inflation remains a significant concern for consumers. The anticipated increase in demand for barbecue staples due to the upcoming warm weather and bank holidays could further influence prices in the short term.

Food Crime Unit Granted New Powers to Combat Food Fraud in England and Wales

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced that the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) now has expanded investigatory powers to tackle food fraud more effectively across England and Wales, effective from May 2, 2025.

These powers, granted under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), allow the NFCU to operate with greater independence in the fight against serious food crime.

Key New Powers for the National Food Crime Unit

Under the new regulations, NFCU investigators can now:

• Apply for and execute search warrants independently, without relying on local police forces.

• Access and secure premises where food crime is suspected, enabling timely evidence gathering and prevention of material destruction.

These powers represent a significant step forward in allowing the NFCU to respond swiftly to food crime intelligence and progress investigations more efficiently.

“This is a major step forward in protecting the integrity of the UK food supply chain,” said a spokesperson for the FSA.

Why These Powers Matter

The NFCU was formed in 2015 following the Elliot Review into the 2013 horse meat scandal, with a mission to prevent, detect, and disrupt serious criminal activity in food supply chains. Until now, the unit had to depend on police and other agencies to carry out certain enforcement actions.

Benefits of the new powers include:

• Faster and more effective investigations into food crime.

• Greater consumer protection and support for legitimate food businesses.

• Reduced pressure on police resources, enabling them to focus on other priorities.

What Is Food Crime?

The FSA defines food crime as serious fraud involving the production, processing, distribution, or sale of food. Examples include:

• Adulteration – adding inferior or undeclared ingredients to food.

• Substitution – replacing quality ingredients with cheaper alternatives.

• Misrepresentation – false labelling or misleading claims about origin or quality.

• Use of stolen food – introducing stolen items into the supply chain.

• Illegal processing – operating outside of regulated slaughter or production rules.

• Waste diversion – reintroducing food waste into the supply chain illegally.

• Document fraud – falsifying records or traceability data.

How to Report Food Crime

The FSA urges members of the public and food industry professionals to report any suspicions to Food Crime Confidential:

• Phone (UK): 0800 028 1180

• Phone (International): +44 207 276 8787

• Online: Visit the FSA website

Strengthening Trust in the UK Food Chain

These enhanced powers mark a significant milestone in the UK’s food safety landscape. By empowering the NFCU to act independently, the FSA aims to further protect consumers, safeguard businesses, and ensure that the UK’s food supply chain remains trustworthy and transparent.

Original source: Food Standards Agency (FSA)