Minister Jarvis leads missions to the United Kingdom

In late March 2023, the UK Office hosted Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food for her mission to the United Kingdom to explore opportunities for Western Australian primary industry producers within the UK market. Coinciding with the International Food and Drink Exhibition (IFE) in London, the mission enabled the Minister to engage with key stakeholders within the UK, with a particular focus on the red meat sector.

The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement is a key enabler for enhancing the trading relationship between our two jurisdictions. With the removal of tariffs on over 99% of goods, increasing quotas, and reduced red tape, there has been no better time for our primary industry producers to consider the UK market.

Importantly, the mission emphasised that there is a key role for safe and reliable trading nations to support long term food security within the United Kingdom. Notably, the United Kingdom currently produces around 60% of domestic consumption, and therefore requires imports from third nations to service the void. Western Australian produce provides safe, sustainable and niche products, qualities which are becoming increasingly recognised as a valuable complement to the local produce in this region.

Minister Jarvis had the opportunity to engage with her UK Government counterpart, the Rt Hon Mark Spencer, Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, the Shadow Minister of State for Environment as well as key industry organisations including the International Meat Traders Association and the British Meat Processors Association.

An early morning visit to the historic Smithfield Meat Markets was on the agenda, with the Minister and delegation engaging with market directors and traders to understand market trends and needs. The scale of the markets is impressive, and the existing supply of Australian beef and meat was well received. We look forward to seeing Western Australia red meet taking a greater presence on the floor of these meat markets.

The relationship between Australia and the UK is so much more than just trade and investment, with an increasing advancement of strategic relationships. The Minister and delegation visited Harper Adams University who are a key component of the Innovate UK’s Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock. The delegation visited the facilities and heard of the leading research projects being undertaken through this centre, including from a recently returned Nuffield Scholar.

Minister Jarvis also had the opportunity to lead the Western Australian delegation to IFE, which saw 15 WA companies showcase their product on the global stage at this leading food and drink exhibition. There are so many opportunities for Western Australian producers in this market, and we look forward to supporting them in their ambitions  to enter the UK and European markets.