The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has unveiled its new Dairy Export Programme aimed at boosting agri-food exports in overseas markets.

The minister for exports Lord Offord officially launched the programme today (9 November) during a visit to Lye Cross Farm in Bristol.

The new programme is expected to help UK agri-businesses grow by seizing fresh export opportunities through a package of further support.

It includes an investment of £2m to boost DBT’s programme of global tradeshows and missions, which will be delivered in partnership with industry and the Food and Drink Export Council.

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The programme comes as the latest in a series of measures implemented to strengthen the UK‘s dairy sector.

Earlier this year, prime minister Rishi Sunak committed £1m to the dairy sector at the Farm to Fork Summit hosted at Downing Street.

“Growing the agri, food and drink sector is key to growing our economy, and I am delighted to launch the Dairy Export Programme which will help businesses grasp exciting new opportunities around the world,” said Lord Offord.

“Last year our dairy exporters sold £2bn of products to markets worldwide, and the work we are doing to strike up new trade deals will only see that figure rise further and move us forward in the race to £1trn of exports by 2030.”

AHDB chief executive Tim Rycroft added: “International trade remains critical to the sector.”

“Export development is at the heart of what AHDB does, showcasing our high-quality produce at international trade shows and hosting inward missions for key international buyers.”