Poultry groups applaud Russia’s accession package to WTO

The National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) today applauded U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk and his team of negotiators for concluding negotiations on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The groups released the following statement about the historical development:

"We appreciate Ambassador Kirk and his team of negotiators for their tireless and determined work in settling the issues that have blocked Russia's accession to the WTO. We recognize that the conclusion of Russia's membership involved tough negotiations over the past 18 years, including negotiations about poultry issues. The agreement that was reached will continue to allow Russia to remain one of the top export markets for U.S. poultry products."

For U.S. companies to benefit from Russia's accession, it will be necessary for Congress to lift the Jackson-Vanik amendment with respect to Russia and authorize the president to extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Russia.

The groups concluded: "We will continue to work with USTR, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Congress to help ensure the negotiated access for our products to Russia."