ATLANTA — Jim Sumner, president and CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), was the keynote speaker at the USPOULTRY Foundation’s Executive Luncheon, held during the 2022 International Production & Processing Expo. Sumner is also this year’s recipient of the Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award.
During his presentation on “U.S. Poultry and Egg Exports: Our $100 Billion Bonanza,” Sumner described his 32-year tenure at USAPEEC and discussed the monetary value of poultry and eggs that have been exported during that timeframe, which is calculated at $102 billion. This is in comparison to when USAPEEC was formed in 1990, in which the amount was $105 million.
“In 1990, we were exporting 519,000 metric tons of chicken, 32,000 tons of turkey, and 26 million dozen eggs,” Sumner said. “Fast forward to 2021, the 519,000 metric tons of chicken is now 3.6 million tons. Chicken increased 600 percent during that period, turkey increased by 700 percent, and eggs also increased by 700 percent.”
Sumner shared several stories and memorable highlights during his tenure at USAPEEC, as well as discussed the formation of the World Poultry Federation and its goals. He concluded with a discussion about the vision and creation of the International Poultry Council in 2005, which now has 28 member countries and 58 associate members, representing 95 percent of global poultry production.
Sumner also expressed his appreciation for the support of the poultry industry and the many friendships that he has gained over the years.
