The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) has reportedly rolled out a new mentorship scheme for helping UK farmers and food producers in boosting their exports. Run in collaboration with the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the scheme will match experienced exporters with enterprises who are looking to export for the first time.
According to Liz Truss, the Secretary of State for International Trade, the country is determined for helping UK farmers in making the most of the new trade agreements that it is striking across the world. Truss also added that this new mentor scheme matches experienced exporters with the country’s brilliant food producers and farmers to help them open even more opportunities to the fastest-evolving consumer markets.
Truss highlighted that farmers of the United Kingdom lie at the heart of its trade policy. The country is working in lockstep with partners comprising the NFU, the ADHB for unleashing its global exporting potential and flying the flag for British drink and food.
As per sources, the UK’s new trade agreements will help in the reduction of tariffs, supporting jobs, and opening doors to new markets. It is to be noted that Quickes’ , the Devon cheesemaker, is already getting benefitted from the USA’s decision for the suspension of 25% tariffs on British cheese. As part of the mentorship scheme, the company will be sharing their tips related to exporting with other dairy producers.
The mentorship scheme represents UK food producers and farmers ranging from a lamb and beef supplier in Scotland to a cheese exporter in Somerset. The mentors will be providing practical advice and help to would-be exporters by means of mentoring sessions, roundtables, and newsletters.
It is to be noted that there is global demand for British food & drink businesses and agriculture. The UK exported £21.7 billion worth of drink and food in 2020. By 2030, two-thirds of the middle classes across the globe will be in Asia, creating new opportunities of export for British farming.
Source credit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-mentor-scheme-launched-to-boost-uk-food-exporters