The Department for International Trade (DIT) has launched a new mentor programme designed to help farmers and food businesses improve their exports.
Announced on 7th June, the new scheme is being run in partnership with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), and the National Farmers Union (NFU), and will put inexperienced businesses in contact with experienced exporters who will provide practical help and advice through roundtables, mentoring sessions and newsletters.
In a statement, DIT said, “A UK–Australia trade deal, which is expected to be agreed later this month, could have significant tariff–free benefits for our world leading food and drink industry. There is global demand for British agriculture, food and drink businesses, with the UK exporting £21.7 billion worth of food and drink in 2020. By 2030, two-thirds of the world’s middle classes will be in Asia, creating new export opportunities for British farming.”
Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss, added, “We are determined to help UK farmers make the most of the new trade deals we’re striking across the world. This new mentor programme matches experienced exporters with our brilliant farmers and food producers to help them open even more doors to the fastest-growing consumer markets.
“UK farmers are at the heart of our trade policy, and we are working in lockstep with partners like the AHDB, the NFU to unleash our global exporting potential and fly the flag for British food and drink. We’re seizing new opportunities around the world as an independent trading nation in huge markets such as Australia while paving the way to prosperity across the UK.”
Photo Caption: Liz Truss