Cattle industry representatives and MPs are ravelling to Russia on a trade mission to discuss the possibility of reopening an export trade following a Russian-imposed ban on British beef introduced in 1996.

The ban on British beef was introduced in Russia 16 years ago, following the BSE crisis; the ban remains in place in Russia, despite having been lifted worldwide in 2006. MPs Harriett Baldwin and Neil Parish, who has promoted livestock industry interests in the past, will visit the Bryansk region in the hope of stimulating trade.

The UK government has announced an export drive in the hope of generating more income for food producers and manufactures in the country. As part of this, the coalition is aiming to strike trade agreements with countries outside of the EU, including the ‘emerging markets’ of China, Brazil and the Indian Subcontinent.

However, the policy has been criticised by conservationists and food policy experts as it focuses on unsustainable luxury goods, such as alcohol, meat products and chocolate. Critics have argued the government’s food policy focus should be on encouraging sustainable, equitable food production and distribution.

Earlier this year, Russia announced a new ban on exports of animal products from countries affected by Schmallenberg Virus. These new measures included banning imports of pigs and pig products; although there is no evidence SBV affects pigs.

According to the MPs, Russia wishes to source 250,000 new cattle to its stock and UK breeds could fill this gap, as they are suitable for the climate and terrain. She suggested Russia had made “a commitment" to revisit its ban on UK cattle. The MPs will be joined in Russia by UK chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens and NFU vice-president Adam Greenier.

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