US fights to resume pork exports to Russia

US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) senior vice president for export services Paul Clayton explains that with only a handful of small US facilities still eligible to export to Russia, the situation is every bit as damaging as a full market closure.

''USMEF has been working very closely with other industry associations - the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board - in working with USDA as to come up with some solutions to get this market reopened and working for us,'' said Clayton.

He said with Russia unwilling to move off of its own import standards, creative solutions are being sought that will allow US processors back into the market.

He explained that one of the things in progress is to work with the US government on a programme that would allow the exporters to meet the Russian standards and allow our government to sign certificates stating that.

''At this point in time, we're still waiting to hear back from the USDA as they go through their discussions and deliberations relative to these new changes in our regulations,'' he added.

He said it is a top priority to find a comprehensive solution to this issue that will restore eligibility for all US plants.

According to USMEF, through October 2009, US pork exports to Russia declined by more than 40% compared to the same period in 2008, due in part to limited market access.