Scotch beef could soon be served in restaurants across America following the removal of a 16-year import ban imposed at the height of the BSE crisis.
After nearly two decades of trade restrictions, European countries will now be able to resume exports of beef and beef products to the US.
The news comes following a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) move to bring US legislation in line with international standards for BSE.
Although a ban remains in place for imports of haggis, sheep and goat meat products, rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said removal of the beef import ban was a massive breakthrough.
“Scotch Beef has been off the menu in the USA for far too long and the reopening of an extremely lucrative market is a tremendous opportunity to expand our beef exports and one which I am keen for the industry to grasp,” he said.
Exports were unlikely to begin until early next year, as technical details such as health certificates needed to be ironed out, added Mr Lochhead. The pressure was now on the UK Government and Environment Minister Owen Paterson to ensure the necessary staff and procedures were in place, he said.
NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller said the next step was ensuring meat processing plants secured the necessary approvals needed to start exports.
Although it was too early to estimate what level of export trade would be possible after such a long non-trading period, the change in trade rules offered meat processors new opportunities, said Alan McNaughton, president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers.
Jim McLaren, chairman of red meat levy body Quality Meat Scotland said the reopening of trade with the US would provide a welcome boost of confidence to the industry. However, the greatest threat facing the sector remained the availability of stock, he said.
“I would reiterate my encouragement to Scotland’s livestock farmers to increase production in an effort to meet the demand,” added Mr McLaren.
Scottish Development International chief executive Ann MacColl said the US was the largest single export market for Scottish goods and services.
“Food and drink exports to the US increased by 30% in 2012 to just under £1billion. The opportunity for Scotland’s beef industry is therefore significant,” she said.
Scotland Food and Drink chief executive James Withers said Scotch Beef could piggyback on the success of whisky and salmon exports to the US.