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

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

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 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 Prepare for World Butchers’ Challenge at East Sussex’s Plumpton College

Team GB is sharpening its knives and skills at Plumpton College in East Sussex, as the country’s top butchers gear up for the prestigious World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC)—dubbed the “Olympics of Meat”.

The international competition, to be held in Paris in less than a month, will test teams on their butchery skills, creativity, and presentation under intense time constraints.

What Is the World Butchers’ Challenge?

The World Butchers’ Challenge brings together elite butchers from across the globe to showcase their craftsmanship in a three-and-a-half-hour challenge, turning entire carcasses into a world-class display of meat cuts, value-added products, and charcuterie.

This high-profile event not only spotlights butchery as a skilled trade, but also supports local communities. All meat processed during training and the competition is donated to local food banks, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to reducing food waste and supporting families in need.

Team GB Training at Plumpton College

Plumpton College, known for its state-of-the-art butchery training facilities, has hosted Team GB for over a year. The college has played a key role in the team’s preparation, offering space and equipment for dress rehearsals and technical training.

“For us, it’s a chance to promote our industry at the highest level, and to promote the UK and the UK meat industry to the world,” said Team GB captain Ben Tindale.

Vice-captain Elsie Yardley added: “There’s no buzz like it. The energy and pride in representing your country is unmatched.”

Butchery Skills in High Demand

Principal Jeremy Kerswell of Plumpton College expressed pride in supporting Team GB, noting the broader significance of the competition:

“We’ve seen massive growth in our apprenticeship programmes, and hosting Team GB has been incredibly inspiring for our students. It demonstrates just how in-demand these skills are.”

The college’s recent investment in butchery education underlines its commitment to training the next generation of skilled meat professionals.

UK Meat Industry in the Global Spotlight

As the countdown begins, Team GB remains focused and determined to win a medal and elevate the status of UK butchery on the global stage. The World Butchers’ Challenge not only celebrates tradition and technique but also highlights the evolving role of butchers in sustainable food systems and culinary innovation.

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Key Takeaways:

• Team GB trains at Plumpton College for the World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris.

• Butchers must create a world-class display of meat products in 3.5 hours.

• All meat from training and the event is donated to food banks.

• Plumpton’s investment in butchery training supports the next generation of meat professionals.

Original Source: BBC News

 

Illegal Meat Floods UK High Streets Amid Post-Brexit Border Check Failures

Efforts to prevent potentially disease-ridden meat from entering the UK are being undermined by post-Brexit border checks, according to a senior health official.

Lucy Manzano, head of the Dover Port Health Authority, has raised concerns that illegal meat, which has bypassed proper health checks, is now available on “most high streets” across the country.

Recent outbreaks of deadly animal diseases in Europe have heightened fears among health authorities, Whitehall officials, and the farming industry about the potential threat to the UK. Despite these concerns, the government maintains that the current system of checks is effective and insists it will never “waver in its duty to support the UK’s biosecurity.”

Under the post-Brexit system, commercial vehicle checks are not conducted at Dover itself. Instead, drivers are required to travel 22 miles (35km) to a border control post at Sevington. Critics argue that many lorries are failing to show up for these checks due to a lack of enforcement.

The Environment Select Committee in Parliament has launched an inquiry to assess the effectiveness of the system. Ms Manzano told MPs that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has been overstating the robustness of the controls in place. She stated, “Defra have continually stated that there are robust controls in place. There are not. They don’t exist.”

Ms Manzano added that Defra has not provided any confirmation of how food would be controlled from the point it arrives to the inspection facility 22 miles away. She presented evidence to the government demonstrating that the system intended to safeguard the country from biosecurity threats is failing.

Defra recently refused to answer a Freedom of Information request from the BBC’s Countryfile programme, which sought data on the number of vehicles failing to turn up for checks at Sevington. The department claimed that releasing such information could inadvertently aid criminals looking for weak points in the UK’s border controls.

Ms Manzano claimed that illegal meat has become more commonplace in high street shops, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to identify whether the products they are purchasing have undergone proper health checks.

Despite these allegations, Defra maintains that the post-Brexit checks are functioning as intended. Earlier this week, figures revealed that nearly 100 tonnes of illegal meat were seized at the Port of Dover last year. Defra reiterated its stance, stating, “It is unequivocal that importing illegal meat products is unacceptable – which is why suspected products are routinely checked at the border to ensure they don’t reach our shores.”

Original story: BBC News

Innovative Meat Flake Idea Wins Top Prize in Meat Industry Competition

An innovative idea for transforming mechanically deboned meat into a meat flake for seasoning has won the top prize in the Meat Industry Association’s first-ever Dragon’s Den competition.

Renyu Zhang, a senior scientist with AgResearch, was named the winner of the inaugural contest, which challenged New Zealanders to develop groundbreaking ideas to advance the country’s red meat processing industry.

Zhang’s “umamification” plan involves a novel process to transform lower-value mechanically deboned meat into a meat flake with high umami (savoury flavour). This product would be stable at room temperature and could be used as a protein enhancer and snack food.

Out of 42 entries, Zhang emerged victorious, beating four other finalists to secure a prize of up to $10,000 to develop a business case and progress the idea into a research project.

Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, praised the high calibre of entries, noting that selecting the five finalists and the ultimate winner was challenging. She highlighted the competition’s aim to recognise transformative ideas and provide resources to bring them to life, aligning with the Government’s goal of doubling export value.

Karapeeva said Zhang’s idea stood out for its innovative process and the potential for global industry interest. Zhang expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to take his project to the next stage, saying, “I’m honoured to win this inaugural Dragon’s Den event, and grateful to MIA for this opportunity.”

Original story: NZ Herald