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U.S. poultry wants export doors to remain open

The poultry sector shares concerns with other U.S. commodities about trade uncertainty.

Steve Olson is executive director of the Midwest Poultry Federation.

“Trade is very important to us.  When you look at the broiler sector, about 20 percent of broiler production in the United States is exported to foreign markets.  Turkey is anywhere from 12 to 15 percent.  And layers has increased to probably about 5 percent.”

He tells Brownfield the North American Free Trade Agreement has provided huge value to U.S. poultry producers.

“Because of the amount of product that we send to Mexico specifically.  But as we look at other (markets) ultimately what we want is market access to be able to compete on a level playing field.  Getting some of these trade negotiations done is going to be very important to us, so we’re watching those closely.”

Olson says U.S. poultry officials are stressing the importance of keeping export markets open with members of Congress as the renegotiation of NAFTA continues.