The decision by the European Union to grant third country listing status to the UK and approve exports of meat, dairy and other products of animal origin is ‘critical’, the National Farmers Union has said.

NFU president Minette Batters said: “Receiving third country listing status from the EU for our animal products is absolutely critical and will allow an export trade worth more than £3 billion to continue at the end of the transition period.

“This means the UK has met all of the necessary animal health and biosecurity standards the EU requires for this trade and is a step forward in the government’s preparations for the end of the transition period.

“While this listing is good news, we must bear in mind that there will be significant friction for our exports to the EU from January 1, and it’s crucial the government minimises this disruption as much as possible in the time remaining.”