BREXIT BONUS: British beetroot growers to put down roots in US market

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After years of tough negotiations, the UK has secured a major victory for British farmers, winning access to the US market for UK beetroot growers.

This triumph showcases the benefits of a truly independent trade policy—something we simply couldn’t have achieved under the constraints of the EU.

With these new doors open, British farmers are primed to take advantage of increased export opportunities, boosting the international profile of British beetroot. This move not only elevates the standing of UK agriculture on the world stage but also proves that post-Brexit Britain is more than capable of forging its own path and expanding trade relationships globally.

It’s a pivotal step in growing the UK economy, a direct result of our newfound freedom to strike trade deals that work in our national interest, and a springboard to greater economic growth and global market integration in the years to come. This is precisely the kind of opportunity Brexit was meant to deliver.  

For the US, this will allow their processors to diversify their supply to satisfy demand for high-quality beetroot outside the US growing season, giving American consumers to access beetroot all year round from world-leading producers in the UK.  

Industry estimates this new access will be worth approximately £150,000 per year in increased exports, with groups such as the NFU recently voicing their desire for the barrier to be resolved to allow British producers to benefit from the enormous potential of the US market, building on the recent successes of UK lamb in the US.  

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:  

It is great news that after many years of campaigning, British beetroot growers will have access to the market in the United States for the first time. Being able to access the US market, supplementing local production, will help to meet rising consumer demand for this healthy, nutritional crop, creating genuine growth opportunities for farmers and growers in the UK. 

I am especially delighted that this announcement comes days after we returned from the US where we were able to make the case for UK beetroot directly to government officials. Industry collaboration with government and especially with the UK’s agri-food attaché based in Washington has been key to resolving this issue. 

It shows the type of wins we’re able to achieve with the UK’s expanded network of agriculture attachés following a number of years of campaigning by the NFU for the creation of these positions. Long may the collaboration continue so British farmers and growers can expand into further markets and increase sales of great British food overseas.

British businesses such as G’s Fresh will directly benefit from the opportunity to showcase their premium produce and grow their business in the US.    

Graham Forber, Beetroot Product Director for G’s:    

I would like to thank all involved in the assistance given to support our Love Beets beetroot development in the USA, in securing permission to import UK Beetroot. This will assist in our development and growth in processing beetroot in New York State while strengthening our supply across the USA.  

I would like to thank all the parties who helped with this and particularly the support of the UK’s Agriculture Attaché at the British Embassy in Washington DC.

Defra’s Agri-food attaché in the US was key to delivering this win for the UK, building on the strong relationship between the UK and US. Defra’s technical experts and global network of 16 agri-food attachés are driving sterling progress to remove non-tariff barriers to exports of high-quality UK food and drink, which are worth £24 billion per year.  

Defra will work closely with UK beetroot growers and relevant industry bodies to ensure a smooth transition into the US market.