Veneman, Zoellick ‘Pleased' at Russian Poultry Decision

April 3, 2002

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick said Russia's decision to remove a ban on importing U.S. poultry should help improve communications between the two countries. "We are very pleased that Russia has agreed to remove its import ban on U.S. poultry following the signing of a protocol on March 31. This is an extremely important market for U.S. poultry producers, accounting for one-half of all our poultry exports worldwide. This new protocol should improve communication between our veterinary authorities and help prevent further trade disruptions," they said in a statement.

The statement continued, "The protocol, signed in Moscow on behalf of the United States by Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, is the culmination of more than three weeks of intensive negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials following Russia's decision to halt U.S. poultry imports effective March 10." Under the terms of the protocol, the Russian ban will be lifted by April 10.

A team of Russian veterinarians will arrive in the United States thius week to learn more about the U.S. food safety system. "We look forward to continued cooperation with Russia on this and other trade matters," Veneman and Zoellick said.