United Kingdom (U.K.) lamb exporters will be eligible to ship to the U.S. in 2022 after the U.S. removed the small ruminant rule, which was introduced two decades ago and banned lamb imports from countries where scrapie had been identified.
“The U.S. market is estimated to be worth Ј37 million ($48.9 million) over the first five years of trade—a tremendous boost for the U.K. sheep sector,” said Dr. Phil Hadley, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board international market development director.
“The new legislation also unlocks opportunities for quality U.K. sheep genetics, which presents a further valuable opportunity for the U.K. sheep sector.”
In response, Rep. August Lee Pfluger (R-TX-11) introduced a bill to require the USDA to delay implementation of the rule until impacts on American sheep producers can be fully studied. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) filed companion legislature in the Senate. The legislation has the support of the American Sheep Industry Association and American Farm Bureau.
