New genetic export opportunities for UK sheep and goat breeders

A new trade agreement to export genetic material to Kenya has opened the door for UK sheep and goat breeders to a 46 million-strong livestock market.

The UK government agreement, credited to work carried out by Defra’s agri-attachés, is valued at approximately £700,000 annually, according to industry estimates.

Exporting genetic material to Kenya is said to help meet increasing demand for high-quality breeding stock as the country strives to improve food security for its rapidly growing population.

See also: Analysis: How UK agri-food attachés are expanding trade

“This new opportunity with Kenya demonstrates the global demand for the high quality that defines UK agriculture,” said Defra farming minister Dame Angela Eagle.

Dame Angela added that UK livestock genetics have gained a global reputation for excellence, with countries worldwide seeking out UK breeding stock to strengthen their agricultural sectors and improve food security.

Industry estimates indicate that UK breeding stock accounts for more than 70% of the world’s poultry, while UK bovine genetics are exported to every continent, providing access to more than 100 countries worldwide.

Building on demand

The latest trade agreement builds on the demand for various UK genetics, including UK rams derived from imported embryos, which are achieving record prices in Argentina.

Meanwhile, UK pig breeders have led the way in using frozen semen to export high-quality genetics to countries affected by African Swine Fever, greatly reducing the disease risks linked to transporting live animals.

Earlier this year, Turkmenistan opened its market to the UK for high-value poultry genetics, worth a quarter of a million pounds a year.

These latest trade agreements, Defra said, present a significant economic opportunity for the UK’s premium poultry and livestock to meet growing global demand for high-quality breeding stock, thereby expanding international trade.