Turkey growers cheer China's embargo lift

Minnesota Turkey Growers are welcoming news that China will once again be importing poultry from the state.

In 2011, China banned Minnesota poultry due to an outbreak of avian flu in two flocks in Wright County.

John Burkel is a turkey grower in Roseau and the incoming president of the National Turkey Federation.

He says Minnesota does the best surveillance of avian influenza in the country, and he's pleased the Chinese market has re-opened.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

"What it really opens up is the potential that China gives us," he said. "Most of the turkey in the state is exported, in fact the far majority of it is. And being the leading turkey producing state in the country, it really is a big deal to have access to that market. The potential is huge."

Mexico is the largest importer of Minnesota turkeys, followed by Russia. China buys dark meat and parts of the birds that Americans eat less of, like necks.

---

Follow Sasha Aslanian on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sashaaslanian