The Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Liz Truss, is set to sign a trade deal with China that will allow the UK to export barley to China.
The deal means that the UK can now join a handful of countries worldwide which can tap into China's 6m tonnes a year barley requirement.
Based on industry estimations, potential yearly barley exports are around 150,000 tonnes - a figure valued at £20m per year.
AHDB Cereal & Oilseeds initiated the project in 2011, after it was revealed that barley could not be sent to China as no official protocol was in place.
Working with a network of industry partners and contacts, AHDB managed a programme of activity to secure that necessary protocol.
The AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Export team headed by exports manager Sarah Mann led negotiations with the Chinese authorities, with the aim of achieving approved supplier status.
Following a written submission in the first stage of the process, a compliance visit by Chinese inspectors to inspect the UK barley supply chain was organised for June this year.
The visit took in farms, stores and labs in England and Scotland to "walk the chain" from farm to export, supported by growers, agronomists, trade representatives and certification bodies.
With the protocol in place, the UK will now be able to export barley that has assured status to China.
A guide outlining the requirements of the protocol to export UK barley to China, written by AHDB in conjunction with industry and government bodies, will be available on cereals.ahdb.org.uk .
Market round-up
C&D Auction Marts Ltd had 12 prime cattle forward in Dumfries when heifers sold to 224.5p per kg and averaged 201.4p, while bullocks peaked at 199.5p and levelled at 193.4p.
There were 99 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 93.6p and dairy cows levelled at 78.4p.
The firm also sold 1152 prime lambs to a top of £76.50 per head and 184.5p per kg to average 155.9p (+9.6p on the week).
There were also 400 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £93.50 for Beltex and averaged £60.90 (+£1.43), while light ewes peaked at £67 for Cheviots and levelled at £45.62 (+54p).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 819 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £76.80 and 178p to average 158.1p (+15.6p).
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