Rise in British lamb exports to France

Marts: British exports of lamb to France are expected to be up by around 22% in 2008 as the decline in 2007 sales, which were restricted under foot-and-mouth controls, recovers.

However, on balance, import requirements for the year are forecast to be 2% higher, because of the higher exports, as consumption is predicted to fall by 3% for the year.

Lamb supplies were down 4% for 2007, a drop of 550,000 head on the previous year. Figures from the Meat and Livestock Commission show that 250,000 lambs were cleared through the welfare disposal schemes in Scotland and Wales, removing half of the estimated backlog of lambs following the build-up during the restrictions on movement and exports following the foot-and-mouth outbreaks.