| 2016-05-09 |    |
NSA Praises Work to Open Doors for UK Genetics
The National Sheep Association (NSA) is praising recent cross-industry work by the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) in obtaining export health certificates for ovine semen and embryos for both New Zealand and the USA.
NSA is one of several supporters of UKECP, which is a Defra/industry partnership dedicated to securing market access for UK meat and livestock producers. NSA particularly recognises the work of Export Certification Ltd in achieving this huge boost for the breeding sector in the UK.
Phil
Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says:
“These certificates are
massively beneficial to the UK and are indicative of the high quality
and international demand for UK breeding stock. It is important
to acknowledge the long and arduous work behind the opening of
these new export markets, and important to recognise we’ve essentially
built our reputation back up from point zero in 2002, following
the foot-and-mouth outbreak. We infinitely grateful to UKECP and
Export Certification Ltd for the continued work in opening up opportunities
like this for the sheep industry.
“NSA urges any breed societies or individual breeders who’ve ever had enquiries or contact with colleagues in New Zealand or the States to follow them up and make the most of the fact a door has now opened to exploit these opportunities.”
Henry
Lewis of Export Certification Ltd says:
“This is somewhat
of a breakthrough with the tight legalisations imposed on the
UK in the past, and it’s hugely encouraging to have been able
to re-open these markets. It reflects well on the UK’s reputation
for having a strong health status, but also recognises the potential
such a depth and range of breeds here in the UK could offer. The
UK has had its disease challenges in the past and the new export
health certificates we’ve obtained are symbolic as a step forward.
“Exports form an important part of the wheel in terms of trade. The fact the UK is seen to be out there competing and keen to do business means potential markets will want to invest in the products we have. It shows the great confidence both USA and NZ markets have in our domestic sheep industry, and it’s encouraging we’re now able to build on this relationship.”
