The summit's purpose was to provide a unique opportunity to openly discuss key topics facing the poultry industry, including: domestic and export sales, labor needs, operating costs, and environmental issues.
"The Poultry Summit was an important opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the problems facing the agriculture community and to renew our commitment to addressing the challenges they face in a responsible, transparent way," said Cardin in a statement. "I want to see government policies that are based on the best available science and I will fight to ensure that the poultry industry remains strong and vital on the Delmarva Peninsula."
In addition to Cardin, other participants in the poultry summit included: U.S. Sens. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.; Tom Carper, D-Del., and Chris Coons, D-Del.; U.S. Rep. John Carney, D-Del., and leaders from Maryland and Delaware's poultry industry and state governments.
In a news release, Cardin emphasized the need to end preferential treatment of corn-based ethanol and to develop responsible alternative energy sources expected to help much of the agricultural community. According to Cardin's office, the Delmarva poultry industry accounts for about 4.5 percent of total chicken production nationwide.
Cardin's office said a recent report shows the total economic value of the poultry industry on Delmarva accounts for more than $2 billion supporting 15,000 jobs; 5,000 chicken houses; 1,800 growers and more than $1 billion in vendor payments.
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