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U.S. turkey growers push for expanded access in USMCA review

U.S. turkey growers have a vested interest in this summer’s review of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement. 

Minnesota Turkey Growers Association executive director Ashley Kohls says there is no tariff rate quota for turkey in USMCA.

“We’re not sure why it was inevitably left out of previous USMCA agreements. And if you look at the numbers of how much that could expand the amount of high-value product like breast meat that can go into Canada, it’s staggering.”

Iowa Turkey Federation executive director Gretta Irwin tells Brownfield Canada and Mexico are the two largest markets for U.S. turkey exports.

“So making sure that agreement continues to work really well, and making sure that those doors are open for our turkey products to go there.”

Irwin says Canada sources a lot of genetic stock and Mexico consumes a large amount of dark turkey meat.

“Those are really key components to our profitability.”

Irwin and Kohls spoke to Brownfield at the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention in Minneapolis Wednesday.

The USMCA review begins in July.

Ashley Kohls interview:

Gretta Irwin interview: