ATLANTA — Georgia poultry exports to India can resume after the World Trade Organization ruled Tuesday that country’s import exclusion based on disease concerns wasn’t supported by science.
Industry experts estimate the decision could lead to export sales of as much as $300 million to U.S. farmers, a significant share of which would come from Georgia as the leading producer of meat chickens and broilers.
Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., praised U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and his staff for sticking with the long, complicated legal battle before the WTO since 2011.
“This administration has remained committed to that effort for three years, and the announcement today is living proof that when you play by the rules, free trade can also be fair trade,” Isakson said.
The embargo began in 2007 over India’s claims the United States did not take adequate precautions against avian influenza, even though there had been no significant outbreak since 2003. American officials maintained those claims were a sham designed to protect Indian farmers in violation of international treaties.
“We recognize that in trade issues and in trade disputes how significant and important international standards are and the scientific process in terms of setting trade measures,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “They need to be based on those international standards and the scientific process if we really and truly are dealing with health and food-safety concerns.”