Senators Want Russian Trade Barriers Addressed
Letter claims that restrictions and safety concerns expressed by Russia are baseless.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jun 22, 2010
Twenty-five Senators are urging President Obama to address Russian trade barriers on U.S. poultry imports when he meets with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev. Senate Ag Chair Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., are among the Senators emphasizing that internationally recognized science methodology proves U.S. poultry is safe and that current restrictions are not warranted.
According to the letter USDA requires U.S. poultry producers to meet very stringent food safety standards. The Senators state the Russians have not supplied a reasonable, scientific explanation for restricting their market to U.S. poultry and that safety concerns are baseless.
The Russian market is worth $800 million annually to American producers. The letter says that given the current economic climate, which has left many producers struggling, continued absence from this market would only increase the economic uncertainty these producers already face. The meeting with Medvedev offers a crucial opportunity to address the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Over the last three years U.S. poultry exports to Russia were the single largest U.S. export market and the poultry industry represents over 500,000 U.S. jobs.
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Tagged: usda, poultry producers, poultry exports
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