CUMBRIAN farmers have been handed a boost after it was annouced a ban on the importing of British beef and lamb into America is set to be lifted after 20 years.
During the mad cow disease crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, the USA banned the importing of British red meat.
However, the move by the United States Department of Agriculture to reopen the British market could result in an estimated £60m windfall for British farmers.
Sales of British beef and lamb could be worth £25m and £35m respectively.
The potential opening of a new market has been welcomed by local farmers in the wake of the decision to leave the European Union.
Alan Platt, stockman for Thor Atkinson's Arradfoot Limousin herd, in Newlands, Ulverston, speaking at the Ulverston and North Londale Show yesterday, said: "I've no qualms about it at all, it means there will be more trade for us all over the world."
Also at the show, beef farmers Ian Wilson and Carol Wood of Low Flan Farm, Ulverston were happy that they have a fresh market to sell to.
Mr Wilson said: "It can only be a good thing for British farming, especially since we left the EU. We'll have a bigger market to trade with."
One of the leading voices in the British beef industry is also hopeful for this new deal, however they are approaching it with more caution.
Chris Mallon, chief executive of the National Beef Association said: "Any opening of a new market is good news.
"What we have to do is definitely look out to the world, but we also have to remember that our own UK market is an incredible one.
"We need to be aggressive in making sure we get a good price for our beef."
Mr Mallon expects that meat like lamb will be well received in the US, as it is not a commonly farmed animal.
However, the huge beef market that already exists in America is expected to be harder to break, as a lot of pride is found in the quality of domestic American beef.
There is some concern, however. Sheep farmer Danielle Metcalfe, who owns 30 Shetland sheep and produces wool and hogget meat for local suppliers, was apprehensive about her future in a post-Brexit landscape.
She said: "It's a little bit worrying, leaving the EU, but as a farming community it worries me slightly."
Negotiations are at an early stage, however farming minister George Eustice was positive, saying: "The US decision to press ahead with proposals to lift export restrictions on British lamb is great news for our farmers, who are one step closer to gaining access to the lucrative American market, worth an estimated £35m a year."
Read more about this year's Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show
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