Approval process for pork exports to begin

The USDA says it will likely begin approving U.S. pork production facilities for exports to Russia this week. 

U.S. negotiators announced late last week that a deal had been reached to end Russia’s ban on U.S. pork imports.   It includes a new export verification program requiring producers to prove their pork is free of the antibiotics that Russia has prohibited. 

The National Pork Producers Council applauds the re-opening of the Russian market.  Even though they did not see the need for an export verification program—U.S. pork already meets U.S. and international standards—NPPC president Don Butler says it was a concession that had to be made to get back in the market.  

According to USDA, six percent of all U.S. pork exports in 2009 were shipped to Russia.