TUCKER, Ga. — Celebrating two score of U.S. poultry and egg export promotion, this September the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council is observing its 40-year anniversary.
What began in 1985 as an intermediary organization between the USDA, agricultural trade offices, and embassies around the world, the council is lauding the substantial increase in poultry exports during the previous four decades. When the organization began, U.S. poultry and egg exports were approximately $249 million a year. That number has grown to its current total of more than $5.8 billion, USAPEEC notes in its announcement.
“Reaching 40 years is both an honor and a testament to the dedication of our members, partners, and staff,” Greg Tyler, USAPEEC president and CEO, said. “Together, we’ve opened doors, built trust, and expanded opportunities for U.S. poultry and eggs around the world. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue that mission — driving growth, strengthening relationships, and ensuring the world knows the value of American poultry and eggs.”
Tyler has been with USAPEEC for almost 30 of its 40 years, and in 2022 succeeded longtime president Jim Sumner, who served the council for 32 years from 1990 to 2022.
The companies that represent USAPEEC’s 240 members are noted to account for more than 95 percent of all of the United States’ exported poultry and eggs, the council said, adding that the organization serves an advocate for the nation’s exports in more than 115 international markets.
The USAPEEC headquarters, near Atlanta, Ga., is shared in an office complex with the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, which is one of the several alliance organizations that shares the importance of the council’s mission. Other national groups that USAPEEC advocates for and works closely with includes the National Chicken Council, the National Turkey Federation, United Egg Producers, and the American Egg Board.
USAPEEC has international offices in China and Hong Kong, as well as Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico. The council also collaborates with consultants around the globe, including in Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Central Asia, India, the Middle East, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
USAPEEC is a not-for-profit, so it does not lobby, but it does work closely with government officials and agencies.
“USAPEEC has helped develop and strengthen the international reputation of U.S. poultry and eggs for their outstanding quality and availability,” the council said in its announcement, adding that it is, “proud of its first 40 years — and looks forward to the next 40.”
