Scottish beef farmers are once again to have access to the United States' export market after the lifting of a 16-year ban.

However, the farming industry says it is not yet ready to take advantage of the new trade opportunities.

US officials have agreed to reopen the American market to EU beef and other bovine products following the imposition of a ban in the 1990s.

In 1997, at the height of Britain's BSE scare, the US Department of Agriculture banned all EU red meat and related products, and the ban has remained in force ever since, despite efforts to have it lifted - such as the all clear from the so-called mad cow disease and the UK's subsequent stringent approach to meat traceability and safety.

However, with major transatlantic trade agreements under negotiation, the mood has changed and the US has moved to re-open its market to EU beef, with trading expected to resume within a matter of months.

Scottish ministers described the move as a massive breakthrough.

Scottish Development International says the US continues to be the largest single export market for Scottish goods and services with food and drink exports increasing by 30% in 2012 to just under £1bn. But many industry figures have raised concerns that Scotland is not yet ready to cash in on the re-opening of the American trade door.

Douglas Scott, chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "While the news of access to the US market is good news for the beef industry and a further endorsement of consumer confidence, this comes at a time when Scotch Beef supplies are under pressure.

"Due to EU policy that has seen incentives for beef production removed, British farmers have brought on less and less finished cattle, creating an upward ­pressure on prices. What we hope happens is that this green light to supply the US market triggers a reaction in terms of increased numbers of calves raised for beef production."

Bob Carruth, of the National Farmers Union Scotland, agreed there were supply issues and said meat plants and abattoirs needed to be approved for meat export purposes.

"Scottish beef has a worldwide reputation that makes it a very attractive product to get into the North American market," he said.

"There are a few more steps to undertake before we can see Scottish beef going to America.

"There is a job to do there in encouraging Scottish plants to obtain the necessary approvals.

"Our beef herd in Scotland has been falling in recent times. We have good markets at home for beef, we have some good export markets into Europe as well. But beef is in fairly short supply just now."

Jim McLaren, chairman of Quality Meat Scotland, added: "The re-opening of this valuable market sends a further clear message to the Scotch beef industry of the growing global opportunities that exist for our high quality products.

"The greatest threat facing the sector remains the availability of stock to take full advantage of these opportunities, and I would reiterate my encouragement to Scotland's livestock farmers to increase production in an effort to meet the demand."