A group of Virginia farmers are celebrating a new milestone after venturing into a foreign market in India. The Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative recently shipped a new product that resembles and cooks like a beef or pork roast to India through the Port of Virginia. This achievement was the result of months of hard work and collaboration.
The cooperative’s president, John King, highlighted the efforts made to secure this new market opportunity. Senator Mark Warner played a crucial role in advocating for a reduction in India’s high import duties on poultry products. This paved the way for the cooperative to develop a specially designed product – a cut of breast meat from vegetarian-fed and organic turkeys that appeals to Indian consumers.
Despite exporting to 15 countries, the cooperative saw potential in the Indian market due to its large population. With 1.45 billion people, India presented a significant opportunity for the cooperative to expand its reach. King emphasized the importance of developing this new market and expressed optimism about the potential it holds for the cooperative.
The November shipment of Virginia turkey to India was hailed as a significant step forward in U.S.-India trade by Senator Warner. This accomplishment opens up new opportunities for Virginia’s poultry producers and showcases the cooperative’s commitment to exploring diverse market channels.
The Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, representing 170 growers and employing 1,800 individuals, has a rich history of resilience and innovation. Formed in 2004 after a major processing facility in the Shenandoah Valley closed down, the cooperative has been at the forefront of offering organic and antibiotic-free turkey products.
The cooperative’s early adoption of antibiotic-free and organic products set it apart in the industry, demonstrating a commitment to food safety and animal welfare. With a modernized processing plant and a focus on member-growers’ earnings, the cooperative has established itself as a leading turkey processor in Virginia.
In 2023, Virginia ranked as the sixth-largest turkey producer in the U.S., producing 15.5 million birds. The turkey production and processing industry in Virginia plays a significant role in job creation and economic impact, supporting over 9,600 jobs and contributing $853 million in wages.
The product tailored for the Indian market not only opens doors to new foreign markets but also addresses the challenge of promoting breast meat, a less favored cut in existing markets. King expressed enthusiasm about this new venture and its potential to drive growth and expansion for the cooperative.
As the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative ventures into the Indian market, it marks a significant milestone in its journey of resilience, innovation, and market expansion. This new chapter underscores the cooperative’s commitment to exploring new opportunities and diversifying its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.
