British farmers eye domestic beef market

Plans to reverse China's ban on British beef could be "transformational" for United Kingdom agriculture and generate 250 million pounds ($350 million), according to a leading farming industry body.

Last month, China announced plans to lift a 22-year ban on British beef imports, introduced after an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as BSE or "mad cow disease".

UK meat processors are preparing to welcome Chinese inspectors in April, who want to see if farming and production standards have improved sufficiently.