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Britain used to export between 1,000 and 2,000 pigs to Japan each year but it was halted by the outbreak of classical swine fever in 2000.

These pigs were top quality breeding stock worth more than 31 million to the British industry.

The news comes after two missions by BPEX to Japan where the members met Japanese pig breeders and government officials.

BPEX Chairman Stewart Houston said: "This is tremendous news and comes after a concerted team effort by many people including BPEX/MLC Defra and the British Embassy in Tokyo.

"British breeding stock is highly regarded throughout the world and it was very important we got back into the Japanese market."

Meat and Livestock Commission Livestock Export Marketing Manager Henry Lewis said: "Breeding companies in Japan are desperate to replenish with new genetics, so it is critical to their businesses.

"It is also an important market for rare breeds such as the Berkshire and will be a real lifeline for them.

"As a result of the mission to Tokyo, we have Japanese buyers lining up to buy British breeding stock.

"Some of them will be at the Royal Show from July 4 to 7, and we can bring them together with firms wishing to export. Anybody interested should go to stand M285 at the show."

Source: BPEX - 1st June