Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the barriers to the growth of dairy exports to the EU.

The Government is committed to supporting the dairy sector capitalise on strong demand for British products across the world, drawing on our reputation for quality and high standards of production, welfare and food safety.

We are focused on enabling British dairy exporters to access as many international markets as possible. In addition to removing trade barriers through negotiation of new Free Trade Agreements, we are boosting our technical expertise in key markets through expansion of our network of dedicated agri-food attachés to 10 posts across the globe. These roles resolve market access barriers, support export growth and provide market insight to enable British companies to target markets with the highest potential. There is strong export potential for dairy products and a growing international reputation, especially for cheese. Our attaches will work with dairy companies to build our market share further and generate further awareness and demand.

As well as maximising market access the Government is also working with the sector to build capability and competitiveness in international markets. The new UK-wide Food and Drink Exports Council, which will be launched early next year, brings together industry and governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to boost exports from all parts of the UK and build export capability in the sector, especially in SMEs. The Department for International Trade provide a broad range of export support including the Export Support Service (ESS), Export Academy and the online great.gov platform to help companies begin or progress their export journey, including advice on entering particular markets and opportunities to showcase products to international buyers.