THE news that Japan is to lift its decades-old restrictions on importing beef and lamb from the UK is set to provide a significant boost to the Welsh red meat sector in developing export markets outside the EU.

This news was announced during the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the UK and comes after a long period of discussions involving Japanese authorities and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) of which Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is a partner.

HCC welcomed the lifting of the ban and outlined some of its ambitious plans to develop the market.

Late last year, HCC linked up with a previously successful Welsh export to Japan, rugby star Shane Williams, in promoting Welsh lamb as a healthy convenient meal.

The wing wizard has a high profile in the country, having played with Mitsubishi DynaBoars, and HCC is exploring ways to take advantage of this connection in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup.

In addition, alongside other UK meat bodies AHDB and QMS, HCC will be attending the Foodex fair with Welsh meat exporters in March to develop trade in Japan.

Japan offers major opportunities for PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef.

In 2015, Japan produced 480,000 tonnes of beef, but bought in more than 700,000 tonnes, while it imported over 30,000 tonnes of sheepmeat, whereas its declining domestic sector produced only 200 tonnes.

Opening new markets outside the EU is a key objective of HCC’s enhanced export programme, funded by a Welsh Government grant of £1.5 million over three years.

The programme received another boost with an announcement in late 2018 by the Indian government that it has agreed export conditions for UK sheepmeat, a move which may lead to future opportunities for PGI Welsh Lamb in the sub-continent.

Rhys Llywelyn, HCC’s market development manager, said, “One of the greatest barriers to growing Welsh red meat exports is the historic ban on UK lamb and beef which some countries retain.

“Japan and India are among the countries we’ve been prioritising in terms of achieving market access, working as part of UKECP.

"We met with Japanese government inspectors during their visit to Britain in the summer and have been proactive in providing all the reassurance they need on the excellent quality and traceability of Welsh lamb and Welsh beef.

“Our red meat may find ready markets in Japan’s growing premium hotel and restaurant industry.

"The Japanese market also demands beef tongue and other types of offal, often at higher prices than these products command in the UK.

"And the fact that Shane Williams has already put Wales on the map in Japan can only help.”