A NEW Great British Food Unit has been launched by Defra.

The aim of the unit is to match France and Germany, which both currently export more than double the UK in terms of the value of food and drink.

Defra says it will bring together experts in exports and investment from Defra and across Government to help more businesses sell their world class produce around the globe.

The unit will support further Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into a food industry which stood at £60 billion in 2014.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “We produce more new food products each year than France and Germany combined. My long term aspiration is for the UK to match both these countries in terms of the value of exports so our food and drink becomes a worldwide phenomenon.

"Through the creation of the new Great British Food Unit companies large and small will now find it easier to export overseas and receive foreign investment."

The launch of the new unit comes as the Government announced 2016 as the Year of Great British Food. It also follows last November’s launch of the first food and drink pioneers who will promote the very best in British food across the country and overseas inspiring people everywhere to choose British.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “With 2016 being designated the year of British food, I am encouraged by the Government’s move in establishing a unit which will help promote and celebrate great British food.

"Anything which can showcase British farming and farmers, not just for they food they produce, but for the value the British farming industry adds to the economy, employment and our beautiful and diverse countryside is a step in the right direction.

“What I want to see now is more export markets being made available to British farmers to sell to countries such as China, Japan, the USA and Saudi Arabia. Over the past 18 months, all sectors, particularly livestock and dairy have been under financial pressure from low prices. That’s why we need to create more opportunities to get more great British products into new global markets.

?“I am also pleased that the unit will focus on apprenticeships and entrepreneurialism. Business management and leadership skills are crucial to taking agricultural businesses forward and improving performance to achieve a professional and efficient workforce. The NFU, as part of the AgriSkills forum, will help ensure that training is easily accessible and affordable for farm businesses.”

Ian Wright CBE, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation, said: "We strongly share the Government’s commitment to making the UK the investment destination of choice, and agree that a growing and sustainable food and drink industry is vital to our shared economic future. Through the industry and Government partnership promised by the unit - kicked off in this, the Year of Great British Food - we will work to give Britain’s makers, bakers and bottlers the support they need to thrive."