Poultry reps., Sen. Carper, Japanese official talk TPP in Sussex Co.

If passed by Congress, we’re told the Trans-Pacific Partnership could have a large impact on Delmarva poultry.

“Delmarva is known as a center for (the) chicken industry, and according to the TPP, chicken producers will get a lot of benefits.” Japanese Economic Minister to the U.S. Kanji Yamanouchi tells 47 ABC.

Friday afternoon, Delaware officials and agricultural business representatives welcomed Yamanouchi to talk about the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

A 12-nation trade deal that would eliminate or reduce taxes and bans associated with the exporting of U.S. farm products.

We’re told by area poultry representatives and Delaware Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee, if the taxes are removed or reduced it could bring vast improvement to the Delaware chicken scene.

“We might be at 3 with 10 being the highest number. If we can get this going, if it passes Congress, 5 years from now we could go from a 3 to a 6 or a 7,”

Poultry wouldn’t be the only farm product from Delmarva that may see a boost in sales.

According to the USDA, Delaware’s number one agricultural export is poultry, followed by soybeans, wheat, veggies, and feed.

Senator Carper tells 47 ABC that should the TPP get passed we could likely see an increase in other exports as well.

“there’s always a concern that somehow we’re going to allow other countries to sell their goods and products to us, but we are not going to sell our goods and products to them.”, Senator Carper tells 47 ABC. “the idea is to take down barriers to our exports and to create jobs in this country.”

Senator Carper says neighboring legislation to the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal has been passed.

He says right now the agreement is in the process of being made ready for release.