Defra’s network of agri-food attachés helps UK farmers and food producers get their products onto international shelves and grow their businesses overseas.
Based in British embassies and consulates, the attachés open new markets, keep existing ones accessible, promote UK food and drink abroad, and guide businesses through export requirements.
Their work creates new opportunities for farmers and strengthens the reputation of British produce for quality, sustainability and high standards.
In this post, we explain what they do and include links for those looking to expand their international sales and find the best markets for their products.
What the attachés doWe currently have 16 agri-food attachés covering the following locations:
China, India, South America and the Caribbean (based in Mexico and Brazil) the Gulf, Europe (based in France and Spain) South Korea, Japan, Africa (based in Morocco and South Africa) South East Asia (based in Thailand and Vietnam) Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The agri-food attachés with Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds and Minister Angela Eagle.They work closely with colleagues across Defra, the Department for Business and Trade, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and industry partners to open and protect markets for British producers.
So far this year, the attachés have helped resolve 41 agri-food market access barriers worth nearly £100 million a year, according to industry estimates.
Last year, Defra resolved more than a barrier a week for the first time, demonstrating the impact of an expanded attaché network.
Recent successes include securing market access for dairy to Egypt, worth £35 million per year, and pork exports to Mexico, worth £3.8 million per year.
The attachés also collaborate with the UK Agri-Tech Centre to showcase British innovation and sustainability to global audiences.
They recently secured access for UK sheep and goat genetic material to Kenya’s livestock market, building on earlier success in beef, bovine and poultry genetics exports. According to industry estimates, UK breeding stock now makes up about 70% of the world’s poultry.
Earlier this month, the attachés met farmers, processors and industry bodies from across the country to discuss opportunities for the sector and further build understanding of the barriers they face.
From mead to dairy, producers shared their experiences and insights into where UK food and drink have the potential to thrive overseas.
These conversations ensure attachés can represent British farming interests effectively in global markets, tackle barriers the sector faces and identify and share insights on new opportunities as they emerge.
Learn more about growing your exportsIf you're a farmer or food producer looking to grow your exports, we encourage you to visit the Business Growth Service. The site provides a range of tools, guidance, and support to help you sell abroad and identify the best markets for your products.
This includes access to the UK Export Academy, a free training programme designed to help UK businesses expand their international sales.
By combining the expertise of Defra’s agri-food attachés with the resources available through the Business Growth Service, we hope UK producers can navigate export requirements, overcome barriers, and make the most of opportunities in global markets.
seen at 14:36, 18 November in Farming.