AGRICULTURE: DIPLOMATIC SERVICE
Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which UK diplomatic posts have an Agriculture and Food Counsellor; and if she will make a statement.
George Eustace, Minister of State for Farming, Food and the Marine Environment: The overseas Embassy network plays a central role in the promotion of food and drink exports. Most Embassies have staff working on food and drink.
In view of the potential market in China, especially for animals and animal products, Defra and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board have created a dedicated Agriculture and Food Counsellor post in the Embassy in Beijing; this is the first of its kind. We are exploring with UKTI and FCO, who are responsible for our posts overseas, how we can build on this model and make best use of the network to provide clear leadership to boost our food and drink exports.
6916
Also:
6988: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to increase the number of Agriculture and Food Counsellors at British embassies; and if she will make a statement.