Despite the huge uncertainties relating to the future of exports post Brexit, industry leaders remain confident the UK's strong stance on provenance and credibility will help ensure a prosperous livestock industry.

That was the overwhelming viewpoint of several of the speakers attending last weekend's Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA) and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) Conference, at Slaley Hall, Hexham.

At an event which combined the General Assembly of the European Association of Livestock Markets (AEMB), UK and European delegates heard of the opportunities, rather than challenges, that Brexit presents, with most remaining adamant that focussing on food quality safeguards and quality standards would be key to the continued success and trading position of the UK livestock industry.

It was a point first taken up by Quality Meat Scotland's chief economist Stuart Ashworth who said: “Price is not always the most important factor. What Brexit has given us is an opportunity to position our product as one of provenance and credibility, and we should be looking at branding to differentiate ourselves from the cheaper alternatives that will no doubt enter the market in a post-Brexit era.”

Echoing these comments, Phil Bicknell, AHDB’s market intelligence director commented: “We know we face some uncertainties in policy and trade, but we know that a big advantage is that we have a relatively affluent UK population of 65m who care about their food and where it comes from.”

Mr Bicknell also believes that the industry will not only retain a strong export market, but there is also significant untapped UK buying potential that the industry should also look to address.

There is also huge potential for the Halal market in the UK, according to Rizvan Khalid, senior director of Euro Quality Lambs (EQL).

“In 2015, the global Halal spend was $1.2bn, and 16.6% of the total food expenditure. By 2021, this figure is expected to rise to $1.9bn, representing a huge market potential for UK farmers,” he said.

“Combine this with the young demographic of the UK Halal market – 48% of Muslims in the UK are under 25, and 88% under the age of 50, so you can see for yourself that this is a fast-moving segment.”

In addition, Mr Khalid, who runs EQL, the largest Muslim-owned lamb slaughterhouse in Europe, remains confident there are additional opportunities for export markets for both Halal lamb and beef.