October 13, 2009
US, Brazil poultry export groups agree to unite on issues
Two groups representing 80 percent of all poultry exports in the world, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council and the Brazilian Chicken Producers and Exporters Association, have agreed to work together on common industry goals despite the intense competition between countries.
"We will continue to agree to disagree, because after all, we remain competitors above everything else," said Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, or USAPEEC. "But under the terms of the (memorandum of understanding), we agree to work cooperatively on issues of mutual concern."
Tearing down trade barriers around the world, reducing the ecological impact of poultry production on the environment and combining forces on food safety issues are some of the goals the two groups set for themselves.
Francisco Turra, president of the Brazilian Chicken Producers and Exporters Association, or ABEF, said: "Even though we are fierce competitors, this does not prevent us from collaborating on those issues that affect our ability to trade."
The two groups signed the memorandum at this year's Anuga food and beverage trade fair in Cologne.
