Purchases of Irish beef to drive increase in British meat imports

Britain’s agriculture department has estimated that its beef imports in 2013 may rise to 430,000 tons, from 410,000 tons last year.

The UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has cited an increase in purchases from Ireland as one of the factors driving UK imports.

The AHDB has predicted that its beef production may reach 887,000 metric tons in 2013, up by around 0.6% from 882,000 tons in 2012.

AHDB senior analyst Debbie Butcher said: “Beef and lamb production in 2013 is a key topic for our sector. The Outlook conference will provide the ideal platform for those in the industry to discuss the production forecasts and share their thoughts as we move into the new year.”

Ms Butcher was speaking at a conference in London. She also said that UK beef exports are likely to be about 146,000 tons, compared with 143,000 tons in 2012.

Meanwhile, the AHDB is also predicting that UK lamb production may rise to 298,000 metric tons in 2013, an increase of 8% from 2012.

Lamb exports may rise to 104,000 tons, compared with 95,000 tons in 2012. Imports may be 113,000 tons, up from 101,000 tons in 2012.