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Pork ban should end, says Pork Producers’ Giordano

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk is in Russia discussing Russia’s bans on U.S. pork, beef and poultry products.

There is no legitimate reason for Russia to refuse to import U.S. pork, maintains Nick Giordano, Trade Counsel for the National Pork Producers Council.

“I don’t know what more can be done,” said Giordano, “it’s clearly not a matter of science and we’re hopeful that the Russians change their position and change it quickly.”

Giordano pointed out that the Russian ban does not cover all of the U.S., but excludes pork from ten states. Russian authorities haven’t indicated that they’re willing to ease their restrictions, but Giordano, speaking to reporters at the World Pork Expo, says he’d like to see a swift resolution to the stoppage.

“I think everybody in this room realizes there’s no scientific reason for any ban on pork and so we’re hopeful that the ban, not only in Russia, but in China, will soon be lifted,” said Giordano.

The NPPC continues to press for finalization of trade agreements that are pending between the United States and other regions of the globe, Giordano says.

“Pretty much, if there’s a trade issue out there, we’re going to have an affirmative position on it, because you’d be hard-pressed to find a sector that’s benefited more from trade than pork producers,” he said.

Giordano was speaking with reporters at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines.