Governor McAuliffe Announces First Shipment of Poultry Exports to China from Virginia in Seven Years

National emblem of the People's Republic of China (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ China Lifted Long-Standing Ban on Virginia Poultry Products in May; Commonwealth Estimates at least $20 Million in New Exports to China in 2014 ~

NORFOLK – Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that after almost seven years Virginia poultry exports resumed to the People’s Republic of China, with the first shipment leaving Perdue Foods Incorporated’s cold-storage export facility in Norfolk.  This shipment from Perdue’s facility includes chicken wing tips, which will leave the Port of Virginia on Friday, and is expected to arrive in Shenzhen, Guangdong State, China on August 3^rd.  The Governor, who witnessed the poultry products being loaded at the Perdue facility, was joined by Perdue Foods Vice President, International Carlos Ayala and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore.  Perdue anticipates increasing its volumes shipped from Virginia by roughly 35% this year as a result of the ban being lifted.

Commenting on the now-resumed poultry export business to China, Governor McAuliffe said, “I am thrilled to see poultry products being exported from Virginia to China for the first time since 2007.  I made having the long-standing ban removed a top economic priority of my administration, so I wanted to be in Norfolk to witness firsthand the vessel being loaded.  The resumption of business means more trade and revenue generation opportunities for Virginia’s poultry industry and the many related businesses that work to move product from our family farms into the global marketplace.  This will also bring significant benefits to the Port of Virginia, an entity that I want to become the East Coast capital for agricultural and forestry product exports.”

In 2007, following an isolated case of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) reported on a single farm in Virginia, China placed a ban on all poultry produced in Virginia, poultry transiting through Virginia, and poultry that is exported from any port in Virginia.  Virginia and federal officials contended that China’s ban was not justified by scientific data, as the isolated LPAI occurrence did not pose a food safety or poultry health risk.  Because of the ban, Virginia had been excluded from taking advantage of business in this high growth market.  China is currently one of the top foreign markets for U.S. poultry, purchasing more than $416 million last year, with Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina as leading suppliers. 

Secretary Haymore noted, “Today’s shipment marks a great day for Virginia’s poultry industry and Virginia’s growing relationship with China, our largest export customer of agricultural and forestry products.  We estimate conservatively that Virginia will see at least $20 million in poultry exports to China during the first full year the market is open, but we’re hoping to far exceed that number. We have great assets that will allow us to accomplish that goal including: Virginia’s existing business with China; the Governor’s commitment to expanding that business; our agricultural trade representative in Shanghai working to generate new sales leads; and an aggressive poultry industry producing high quality and wholesome products. I am confident that we have the infrastructure in place to quickly re-establish Virginia as one of China’s top poultry purchasers.”

On May 5, Chinese and U.S. officials notified the McAuliffe Administration that the ban, instituted in July 2007, was rescinded by China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and China’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).  From January until late April, Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Haymore met and worked with numerous partners to lift the ban, including: Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Cui Tiankai; U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus; U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; and U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Michael Froman.  The McAuliffe administration’s focus on resolving this trade issue built upon work that Virginia officials, including former Governor Bob McDonnell, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine, Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA 7^th), Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA 6^th), and Congressman Robert Hurt (R-VA 5^th), among others, did over the last seven years to re-open the Chinese market to Virginia poultry.  Hobey Bauhan of the Virginia Poultry Federation and Jim Sumner of the U.S.A. Poultry & Egg Export Council were also instrumental in Virginia’s work with U.S. authorities and Chinese government officials.

China ranked as the number one market for Virginia’s agricultural exports in 2013 with more than $580 million in purchases.  However, the country’s market has remained closed to Virginia poultry products for the past seven years.  The total value of Virginia poultry exports exceeded $186 million in 2013, with China absent as a major potential market for Virginia.  Agricultural and forestry exports from Virginia reached a record high of $2.85 billion in 2013.

The poultry industry is the largest individual sector of Virginia’s agriculture industry.  With annual farm cash receipts in excess of $950 million, poultry accounts for more than 30 percent of all Virginia's cash receipts from agriculture.  Virginia's poultry industry depends on fair access to foreign markets in order to support continued prosperity.

According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry, generating more than $52 billion per annum. The industry also provides more than 310,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

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Governor McAuliffe Welcomes Air China Inaugural Nonstop Flight at Washington Dulles Airport

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~New air route will bring $14 million in annual visitor spending to the capital region~

DULLES, VA – Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe welcomed Air China’s nonstop inaugural flight at Washington Dulles Airport. Governor McAuliffe was joined by Vincent C. Gray, Mayor of Washington, D.C.; John E. Potter, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA); Madame Yinxiang Wang, Vice Chairman of Air China and Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Maurice A. Jones.

In an historic and unprecedented partnership, Governor McAuliffe worked with Mayor Gray, MWAA, and Air China to attract this new service. This collaboration demonstrates the value of partners working together for the benefit of the broader capital region, and will generate a significant economic impact.

“Today, we celebrate a 6,914 mile bridge which will serve as a critically important connector between our two nations,” said McAuliffe. “This nonstop flight will unite businesses, families, friends and universities, and will provide a seamless method for Chinese travelers to visit Virginia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  The opportunity here is significant, and has created a partnership that will allow us to welcome many more visitors from Beijing and beyond.”

China is one of Virginia’s top emerging tourism markets. Last year, Virginia welcomed more than 22,000 visitors from China, a 69% increase over the previous year. The new air route is estimated to bring in an additional 16,000 tourists and business travelers to the capital region annually, which will result in 24,000 additional hotel room nights and $14 million in local spending annually. Tourism marketing support will be provided by Virginia Tourism Corporation, Capital Region USA (CRUSA), and Destination DC.

There will be four nonstop flights per week between Beijing and Dulles, contributing to greater opportunities in the Commonwealth for business and economic development. China is currently one of the largest customers of the state’s agriculture and forestry products, and is a top 15 global investor in Virginia’s economy. The new air route will also create more educational opportunities for Chinese and American students alike.

“It is our hope that this new connection will create boundless opportunities for our young people to innovate, collaborate and use their imaginations to create an inspired vision for the future,” said Secretary Jones. “We look forward to welcoming more travelers from China – businessmen and women, families, friends, students, and tourists – for many years to come.”

Air China was founded in 1988 and serves 185 destinations with hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.  In 2012, Air China served 72 million passengers.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Resumption of Virginia Poultry Exports to China

National emblem of the People's Republic of China (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that after almost seven years Virginia poultry exports will resume to the People’s Republic of China.  The McAuliffe administration learned earlier today from Chinese and U.S. officials that the ban, instituted in July 2007, has been rescinded by China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and China’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).

“This is outstanding news for Virginia’s poultry industry and the many related businesses that work to move product from our family farms into the global marketplace,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “Strengthening Virginia’s economy is my number one priority and the lifting of this ban is certainly good news for Virginia’s economy.  Poultry is the largest individual sector of Virginia’s agriculture industry and increased exports will help support farm, processing, and transportation related jobs in the Commonwealth. This will also bring enormous business benefits to the Port of Virginia at a critical time for that entity.”  

In recent months, Governor McAuliffe and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore have discussed the issue with top officials from China’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., including Ambassador Cui Tiankai; the newly appointed United States Ambassador to China, Max Baucus; United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Michael Froman.  The McAuliffe administration’s focus on resolving this trade issue built upon work that Virginia officials, including former Governor Bob McDonnell, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine, Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA 7^th), Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA 6^th), and Congressman Robert Hurt (R-VA 5^th), among others, have done over the past several years to re-open the Chinese market to Virginia poultry.  Hobey Bauhan of the Virginia Poultry Federation, Jim Sumner of the U.S.A. Poultry & Egg Export Council, and others in the private sector have been instrumental in Virginia’s work with U.S. authorities and Chinese government officials.

“Addressing China’s ban on Virginia poultry has been a real team effort,” added Governor McAuliffe, referencing work conducted by staff from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) in coordination with federal officials from the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).  “The USTR and USDA made resolution of this issue a priority and worked closely alongside Virginia’s individual efforts to address the matter.  I also want to thank Ambassador Cui and the Chinese Embassy staff for their attention and work to resolve this important issue.”

Since 2007, following an isolated case of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) reported on a single farm in Virginia, China has maintained a ban on all poultry produced in Virginia, poultry transiting through Virginia, and poultry that is exported from any port in Virginia.  Virginia officials have long contended that China’s ban was not justified by scientific data, as the isolated LPAI occurrence did not pose a food safety or poultry health risk.  Because of the ban, Virginia had been excluded from taking advantage of business in this high growth market.  China is currently one of the top foreign markets for U.S. poultry, purchasing more than $416 million in 2013, with Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina as leading suppliers. 

Virginia’s work to resolve the ban with federal and Chinese officials began in late 2007 under then-Governor Kaine.  During Virginia trade missions to Asia in 2011 and again in 2013, then-Governor McDonnell and Secretary Haymore held meetings with government officials in China regarding the poultry ban.  As a result of discussions with Chinese officials, in March of 2013, Virginia worked with federal officials from USDA APHIS and USTR to host a technical delegation from the Chinese regulatory agencies that were responsible for the ban.  The technical delegation conducted site visits and meetings in Virginia, examining farm and food safety protocols and testing.  This work, along with other efforts over the last seven years, ultimately led to the resolution of the ban.

“Based on China’s current poultry purchases from other nearby states, we believe that Virginia stands to gain $20 million or more in export sales each year,” stated Haymore. “China is a good market for certain items that are not of high value in the domestic market, but can be an important income generator for poultry processors.  Chicken feet and wing tips are considered a delicacy in some parts of China.  Reopening the market to these Virginia products adds commercial value to the product.  Chicken feet and wing tips may be worth a few cents per pound in the domestic market but can sell for many times this amount in China.”

China ranked as the number one market for Virginia’s agricultural exports in 2013 with more than $580 million in purchases.  However, the country’s market has remained closed to Virginia poultry products for the past seven years.  The total value of Virginia poultry exports exceeded $186 million in 2013, with China absent as a major potential market for Virginia.   Agricultural and forestry exports from Virginia reached a record high of $2.85 billion in 2013.

The poultry industry is the largest individual sector of Virginia’s agriculture industry.  With annual farm cash receipts in excess of $950 million, poultry accounts for more than 30 percent of all Virginia's cash receipts from agriculture.  Virginia's poultry industry depends on fair access to foreign markets in order to support continued prosperity.

According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry, generating more than $52 billion per annum. The industry also provides more than 310,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Richmond Ballet to Perform at 2015 ‘Meet in Beijing’ Festival

 (Photo credit: ExpoMeloneras)

~Road to China to include a year-long series of cultural exchange programs as well as multi-city tour in China~

RICHMOND– Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Richmond Ballet, The State Ballet of Virginia, has accepted an invitation to perform at the 15^th Annual ‘Meet in Beijing’ Arts Festival in Beijing, China at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in May 2015. The trip will mark the Ballet’s first journey to Asia, and the organization’s second international tour, following a successful run at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre in London, England in June 2012. The Ballet’s Road to China initiative will also include a series of cultural exchange programs that will celebrate Chinese culture in the United States throughout the 2014-15 season, fostering further economic ties between China and the United States.

         “The Commonwealth of Virginia has a long-standing, productive, and mutually beneficial relationship with China, one built solidly on the economic pillars of trade and investment,” said Governor McAuliffe. “China is already the largest customer of Virginia’s agricultural and forestry products and one of our state’s largest trade partners. The country also is a top 15 global investor in Virginia. The Ballet’s Road to China initiative provides an opportunity to continue an open and collaborative dialogue that could set the stage for future partnerships between our two countries. This is exciting and promising for citizens of the Commonwealth and my administration.”

         The announcement was made at the Virginia State Capitol in the honored company of dignitaries from Washington, D.C.,  including Mr. Lu Kang, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the second highest ranking Chinese diplomat in the United States, and Ms. Li Hong, the Minister Counselor from the Embassy’s Office of Cultural Affairs, along with Richmond Ballet Artistic Director Stoner Winslett, Road to China co-chairs Selina Rainey and Pamela Reynolds, representatives from the Ballet’s Board, Richmond Ballet dancers and major supporters.

         “On behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, DC, I am proud to officially welcome Richmond Ballet as one of the celebrated performers expected to take the stage for the 15^th annual ‘Meet in Beijing’ Festival,” said Mr. Lu Kang. “Cultural exchanges such as the Road to China program advance mutual understanding and help substantiate the new model of major country relationship envisioned by President Xi Jinping and President Obama at their Sunnylands’ meeting last year. The Chinese Embassy encourages strengthened exchange and cooperation in all fields between Virginia and China and will do its best to provide assistance.”

         The Ballet’s year-long Road to China programs, which will celebrate Chinese culture in the United States throughout the 2014-15 Season, incorporate many facets including the arrival of two guest artists from the world-renowned National Ballet of China who will share the stage with Richmond Ballet dancers during the company’s February performances of Don Quixote. ‘China’ will also be the theme for the Ballet’s community outreach program, Minds In Motion, in both Richmond and Charlottesville. Additionally, Richmond Ballet plans to schedule a series of events designed to encourage diverse communities across Virginia to become more engaged in movement, dance and Richmond Ballet. This series will include the organization’s annual gala scheduled for February 28, 2015, honoring the Chinese New Year.

         “This represents an exciting new horizon for us here at the Ballet,” said Ms. Winslett. “The chance to explore a fascinating interesting culture, so historic and majestic, and of course so different from our own, is an opportunity I know our dancers cherish. I am so proud to take first steps along thisRoad to China, as we seek to share the power of dance and its special ability to communicate and connect our souls when words fail us.”

         Now celebrating its 30th professional season, Richmond Ballet is known today as one of the nation’s leading mid-size ballet companies. Under the direction of longtime artistic director Stoner Winslett, Richmond Ballet is recognized both nationally and internationally for the strength of its dancers and for its culture of cultivating new ballets while preserving classic traditions. The Ballet’s founding mission, to awaken and uplift the human spirit, both for audiences and artists, continues to be infused in all three of the Ballet’s areas of focus, including its professional company, its school, and its community outreach program, Minds In Motion. For more information on Richmond Ballet and its classes and programs, please visit www.richmondballet.com or call 804.344.0906.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Exports Reach New Record High

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Products Shipped from Commonwealth Surpass $2.85 Billion in 2013, Up Over Eight Percent from 2012 ~

With Drop in Some Prices, Increased Volumes on Strong Demand, Dedicated Trade Representatives in Key Growth Regions Drive Sales

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia agricultural exports, which also include forestry products, reached a new all-time high of $2.85 billion in 2013, up more than 8 percent in total value from the previous record reached in 2012.  The announcement came during the Governor’s keynote remarks at the sixth annual Governor's Conference on Agricultural Trade held in Richmond.  The conference runs through Friday at the Richmond Marriott.

            Speaking about the new record setting agricultural and forestry export figures, Governor McAuliffe stated, "Continuing to increase Virginia’s agricultural and forestry exports and making Virginia the East Coast capital for these exports are top economic development and job creation priorities for my administration.  Agriculture and forestry, two of the state’s largest industries, play critical roles in maintaining our economic well-being, and the positive economic impact of these sectors is especially important to Virginia’s rural communities.  Beyond that, new export sales can spur economic growth throughout the Commonwealth – from our world-class ports to our outstanding farms – and help us achieve important goals such as preserving more working farmland and attracting new business investments in agricultural processing and related industries.”

            The Commonwealth previously reached a record level of agricultural exports in 2012, when more than $2.61 billion in products were shipped from Virginia ports into the global marketplace.  In 2011, more than $2.35 billion in agricultural products were purchased by foreign customers.  The 2011 figure was a six percent increase from 2010.  Agricultural exports have grown in value by approximately 27 percent since 2010 when the Commonwealth launched a strategic plan to grow agricultural and forestry exports.  Virginia's agricultural exports are competitive in the global marketplace because of the high quality and diversity of products available for export and the Commonwealth’s excellent sea, air, and land port system.  The growth in agricultural exports comes despite a continued slow economic recovery worldwide.

            Governor McAuliffe’s strategic plan in agriculture and forestry for continuing to grow Virginia’s economy includes helping existing agribusinesses expand operations, recruiting new agribusinesses to Virginia, expanding international markets for Virginia products, and making strategic investments in rural infrastructure that support job growth in these areas.  Nearly a quarter of all Virginians live in rural communities, meaning the health of Virginia’s entire economy is linked closely to the prosperity of agriculture and forestry.  With more than thirty percent of gross farm income linked to exports, access to vibrant international markets is important to Virginia’s future economic prosperity.

            “In spite of sharp decreases in prices for some of our key export products, increased volumes on strong demand and a pro-active and strategic trade marketing plan helped Virginia continue move more goods into the global marketplace,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.   “Indeed, we now have the infrastructure in place to help Virginia companies find new opportunities overseas.  Exporters can take advantage of Virginia’s network of trade representatives in key markets around the globe who have expertise in a variety of important market regions and countries.  We have on-the-ground resources in Canada, Latin America, Europe, India, Russia, China and Hong Kong covering greater Southeast Asia.  These representatives are there to work one-on-one with Virginia businesses looking to achieve new international sales.”

            This year’s record amount of agricultural exports shipped from Virginia was driven by increased strong demand as the overall value of U.S. crops fell almost 10 percent in 2013.  According to figures issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers saw a decline in crop prices between 2012 to 2013 for major commodity crops such as corn and soybeans.  The value of field crops fell to $166.95 billion in 2013, a significant decrease from $185.12 billion reported in 2012 according to USDA.  Field crop harvests in 2012 were negatively impacted by a severe Midwestern drought, leading to record high prices for corn and soybeans in that year.  In 2013, better nationwide growing conditions led to a record corn crop and third-largest soybean crop, which sent crop prices lower.

            The top agricultural and forestry product exports from Virginia in 2013 included: soybeans, soy meal, and soybean oil; lumber and logs; unmanufactured leaf tobacco; wheat, corn, barley and other grains; animal feed; pork; poultry; seafood and other marine products; processed foods and beverages, including wine; wood pellets; animal fats and oils; raw peanuts; and cotton. 

            The top three export markets for Virginia in 2013 were China, Canada, both filling the same two spots in 2012, and Switzerland, which moved up from fourth in 2012.  China imported more than $580 million in export agricultural purchases, while Canada totaled just over $259 million.  Switzerland imported more than $190 million in goods from Virginia in 2013.  Virginia’s other top export markets, along with the values shipped rounded to the nearest million dollars include: Russia, $117 million; Indonesia, $110 million; Vietnam, $83 million; Saudi Arabia $80 million; Egypt, $79 million; Venezuela, $76 million; Taiwan $75 million; United Kingdom, $69 million; Poland, $56 million; Turkey, $48 million; Mexico, $45 million; Morocco, $45 million; Ireland, $44 million; Italy, $41 million; Netherlands, $40 million; Malaysia, $39 million; and Cuba, $38 million.

            The Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade is co-hosted by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  In addition to Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Haymore, the conference featured presentations from Amassador Kenichiro Sasae of Japan; Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong of  Vietnam; C. Larry Pope, President and Chief Executive officer of Smithfield Foods; Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation; Darci Vetter, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm & Foreign Agricultural Services; Giulio Menato, Agriculture Counselor for the European Union; Maria Eugenia de Sanchez, Coordinator of Traffic Forecasting, Panama Canal Authority; and several additional leading industry executives.

            According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia's largest industries, with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion. The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

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